http://www.yardbarker.com/content/player/9672 Recent articles about Quentin Groves en-us Only one match-up during the first week of the 2008 season features two teams that made the playoffs last year. Add in that it is also a huge inter-divisional affair between two similar teams, and you've got all the makings of a huge week one match-up that will play out tomorrow at LP Field in [...] Sat, 06 Sep 2008 23:23:26 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/329033 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/329033 The Jaguars cut to 53 didn't offer too many shockers. But there were a few guys that the Jaguars let go that look like they can play. Here is a breakdown of the Jaguars openind day roster by position along with my analysis: QB(2): David Garrard, Cleo Lemon Analysis: Jack Del Rio saw enough out of Cleo Lemon against the Redskins to think that he could win a game or two with Lemon at the helm if David Garrard went out. I think it's possible that someone will pick up Bouman if the Jaguars aren't careful. RB(5): Fred Taylor, Maurice Jones-Drew, Greg Jones, Chauncey Washington, Montell Owens Analysis: No real surprises here. Washington will probably be a game-day inactice more often than not as long as the other guys are healthy, but he looks like a good developmental player. WR:(6): Jerry Porter, Reggie Williams, Dennis Northcutt, Mike Walker, Matt Jones, Troy Williamson Analysis: I think that D'Juan Woods could be headed for the practice squad and I'm really sorry that the Jaguars couldn't find a spot for Hoag. He's the kind of player you need to complete a team sometimes. He does a little bit of everything, including special teams, but after Williamson's big catch on Thursday, it was tough to keep Hoag. TE(3): Marcedes Lewis, Greg Estandia, Richard Angulo Analysis: I think you might see Charles Davis on the practice squad. He certainly passes the eye test. He just needs to work on his blocking. OL(9): Khalif Barnes, Vince Manuwai, Dennis Norman, Maurice Williams, Tony Pashos, Brad Meester, Richard Collier, Uche Nwaneri, Tutan Reyes Analysis: The only surprise here–and it's not a big one–is Reyes. But his flexibility make him valuable. He's a solid pro. The kind of player you need as a backup. DL(9): Paul Spicer, John Henderson, Rob Meier, Reggie Hayward, Derrick Harvey, Quentin Groves, Derek Landri, Tony McDaniel, Jimmy Kennedy Analysis: Kennedy may have saved his spot with a good performance on Thursday night. Other than Landri's health and where to put him, there weren't a lot of decisions to make here. I'm expecting to see Mkristo Bruce on the practice squad. LB (7): Darryl Smith, Mike Peterson, Justin Durant, Clint Ingram, Brian Iwuh, Brent Hawkins, Thomas Williams Analysis: Tony Gilbert held on a long time for a guy who wasn't very fast. That's a compliment to his work ethic and toughness. But he didn't make the cut this year. Hawkins is still trying to get comfortable with being a full-time linebacker. He'll have to contribute on special teams. That's also where Williams and Iwuh should offer their most valuable contribution. DB(9): Rashean Mathis, Brian Williams, Reggie Nelson, Drayton Florence, Scott Starks, Gerald Sensabaugh, Brian Witherspoon, Jamal Fudge, Pierson Prioleau Analysis: I did not expect the Jaguars to keep nine defensive backs. I expected Fudge or Prioleau, not both of them. This might be the deepest position group on the team. Witherspoon won't be used as a corner much right way. They're looking for him to be a difference maker on returns. ST(3): Josh Scobee, Adam Podlesh, Joe Zelenka Analysis: Absolutely no surprise here. There was not competition for any of these three. Who do I expect to see on the practice squad? Here's a shot in the dark (and you can grade me on Sunday): Mkristo Bruce, D'Juan Woods, Charles Davis, Rashod Moulton, Andrew Carnahan, Drew Miller, Chris Brown and another Big Body to be named. Sun, 31 Aug 2008 03:18:20 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/316039 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/316039 The Jaguars will begin the 2008 season with only two quarterbacks on the roster. Todd Bouman was one of 19 players let go by the Jaguars as Jack Del Rio cut his roster down to the league mandated 53-man squad. Bouman outplayed backup quarterback Cleo Lemon through most of the preseason, but it wasn't enough to keep him on the team. Among other casualties, wide receivers D'Juan Woods and Ryan Hoag. Woods has practice squad elligibility, Hoag does not. That means that the Troy Williamson will be on the opening day roster. Williamson may have saved his spot with a 49 yard touchdown catch in the final pre-season game against Washington. Ironically, that pass was thrown by Bouman and it wasn't enough to keep him on the roster. Also let go was defensive end Mkristo Bruce, who tallied 2 1/2 sacks in the pre-season opener. The Jaguars also placed special teams star Chad Nkand and defensive end Jeremy Mincey on the Physically Unable to Perform List, meaning that they cannot return to the active roster until week six of the regular season. Defensive tackle Jonathan Lewis, who injured his knee in the pre-season finale against Washington, was placed on Injured Reserve. Among the veterans let go: linebacker Tony Gilbert, Jacksonville native and former Gator runningback Ciatrick Fason, defensive tackle Jesse Mahelona, and defensive ends Kenny Pettway and Bo Schobel. Other leg go: fifth-round draft pick cornerback Trae Williams, tight ends Chris Brown and Charles Davis, offensive linemen Andrew Carnahan, Pete McMahon and Drew Miller. Defensive backs Isaiah Gardner, Michael Grant, Rashod Moulton and linebacker Lamar Myles. Four of the five Jaguars' draft picks made the team: Derrick Harvey (1st round), Quentin Groves (2nd), Thomas Williams (5th), Chauncey Washington (7th) as well as undrafted rookie return man Brian Witherspoon. The Jaguars can begin signing up to eight players to the practice squad as of noon on Sunday. Sat, 30 Aug 2008 21:04:28 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/315960 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/315960 Let me preface this by saying that the bar has been set much higher for the Jaguars this year. Being in the mix for a playoff spot isn't enough. This off-season, championship expectations developed and so it is against that backdrop that I say this. The Jaguars don't strike me as a championship team. Here's why: The three main areas that needed improvement from last season haven't improved. Pass rush, pass protection and pass catching. The pass rush is without first round pick Derrick Harvey and since flashing in the preseason opener, second round pick Quentin Groves has not looked good. I'm worried about how long Reggie Hayward's legs will hold up. And if the Jaguars have to rely on the blitz to pressure the quarterback, I don't like their chances against veteran quarterbacks like Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. David Garrard has been hurried and hit too often in the preseason, with the pressure coming from his blind side more often than not. That points to Khalif Barnes and Richard Collier, who began Training Camp competing for the starting spot, but who both are ending the pre-season needing to play better. As for the pass catching, the Jaguars signed Jerry Porter, traded for Troy Williamson, got Mike Walker back off the Injured Reserve list and added them to the list of Reggie Williams, Matt Jones and Dennis Northcutt. Porter won't likely play until the second week of the regular season, Williams just got back from injury, Williamson has been fighting an injury of his own, but hasn't looked very impressive since putting the pads on. Matt Jones has shown flashes and his effort has been better. Northcutt is still the same guy and Walker has shown promise, but has to catch the ball better. Does the wide receiver corps instill confidence in me right now? Not really. That all being said, the Jaguars did improve their secondary with Drayton Florence moving in at cornerback and Brian Williams moving to safety. Plus we all expect Rashean Mathis to have a better season this year and Reggie Nelson is no longer a rookie. And you would have to say that the linebackers are a better group with Mike Peterson and Clint Ingram healthy and Justin Durant a year older. Can the Jaguars, in their current incarnation, be a playoff team? Yes. They still have Fred Taylor, Maurice Jones-Drew and David Garrard, plus a defense that I believe will stop the run. That being said, as of right now, they don't look like they're ready to beat the Colts or Patriots and win the AFC. On the other hand, if you are one of those pie-eyed optimists, you can hope that Porter returns and makes a big impact, Matt Jones has the season of his life, Mike Walker's ability turns into productivity, Derrick Harvey signs and is a star and Khalif Barnes just gets it. If those things happen, I'll buy into the Jaguars as a title contender. Stay tuned. Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:22:06 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/313373 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/313373 The Jaguars have a short week as they get ready for the final preseason game of the year. They'll travel Wednesday to play on Thursday in Washington against the Redskins. Here's what the Jaguars have to improve on before the season begins in less than two weeks: Pass rush–This was a problem last season, especially against Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. The Jaguars couldn't get any pressure on them which led to an 0-3 record against the league's two best quarterbacks. After showing up in the first pre-season game against second and third teamers, rookie second round pick Quentin Groves hasn't been a factor against first teamers. With Derrick Harvey still not signed and questions about how long it will take him to be a factor once he is. Reggie Hayward return from a nagging hamstring injury was a plus, but the lingering question with Hayward is how his legs will hold up. Attacking with the passing game–Part of the lack of a deep passing game must be attributed to the lack of Jerry Porter, who might be back in the lineup on Thursday. Troy Williamson was signed to add some deep speed, but he hasn't been much of a factor in the preseson. He has been nursing a hip/groin injury, but I'm not liking what I'm seeing from him since the pads went on. It's more acute when Cleo Lemon is in the game. The Jaguars just can't expect him to throw deep. Then again, if Lemon is in, that means that David Garrard is not and that's not a good sign. Health of Maurice Jones-Drew–We're told that the injury is not serious and that if this were the regular season, Drew certainly would have played. With the passing game not showing much in the way of a downfield threat, Drew, perhaps the Jaguars best playmaker, needs to play a big role. Pass protection–Especially on the left side where tackles Khalif Barnes and Richard Collier haven't done a very good job keeping the pressure off David Garrard. Perhaps that's another reason why the deep passing game has lagged behind. When camp began, Barnes and Collier were in a competition for the starting job. Neither one of them looks like a starter right now. Jerry Porter's hamstring–Last week, there were rumblings about Porter perhaps playing in this final preseason game. Is he healed up? There is certainly going to be a learning curve for Porter as he gets more comfortable with David Garrard and the sooner he can get on the field in a game and they can start working on that quarterback/receiver relationship that is so important. As it stands right now, Reggie Williams would start at one receiver spot with Dennis Northcutt, Matt Jones and Mike Walker as candidates for the other side. The middle of the field-Early last season, the Jaguars were vulnerable in the middle of the field, meaning between the linebackers and safeties and inside the numbers. That's been the case this preseason. Is that a product of the new defense? Maybe. I'm going to keep an eye on this during the regular season. Notes: Jerry Porter likely won't play this week. Jack Del Rio said that he wants to see Porter practice at least a week or two before he puts him in the game. Porter hasn't practiced since hamstring surgery in July…The Jaguars signed Jacksonville native and former Gator Ciatric Fason to a contract. He'll likely get some carries on Thursday with Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew (ankle) not likely to play. Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:54:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/312422 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/312422 The Jaguars 19-14 loss to Miami was worse than the final score would indicate. Jacksonville trailed 13-0 by halftime, when most of the starters were in the game. The Jaguars starters played so poorly, that may of them asked Jack Del Rio to play in the third quarter, but that wasn't part of the plan, so the starters didn't return after halftime. The following were the questions that I had before the game. I've included the answers that the game produced. Q: Will Fred Taylor play? A: Taylor did play, but carried only four times for seven yards. Not exactly what Fred will expect in the regulars season. But truth be told, it was more important for Fred to get tackled than for him to make some big runs. Fred probably got hit fewer times in training camp than any healthy Jaguar. He needed, and maybe still needs, to take some hits to get his body ready to bounce back. Q: Will Troy Williamson showcase his speed? A: Williamson showed his speed on one play, but David Garrard was hit as he throw and the ball fell well short. Williamson did record a catch in the game. Whether he'll impact the Jaguars offense remains to be seen. Q: How will Mike Walker's hands look? A: Walker was better in the second game than the first, but he missed an opportunity to score a touchdown. Walker appeared to catch the ball, but as he went to the ground the Miami defender got a hand into Walker's breadbasket and poked the ball out. Q: Will the Jaguars Pass Rush show up?. A: In a word…no. Quentin Groves got the start but was neutralized by the first overall pick Jake Long. The Jaguars failed to produce any kind of substantial pressure on Chad Pennington or rookie Chad Henne. Even with the lack of pass rush, don't expect the Jaguars to cave to Derrick Harvey's contract demands. Q: What kind of impact will Brian Witherspoon make on special teams? A: For the second straight game, Witherspoon looked like the fastest guy in the building. His longest return, a 40 yard kickoff return, was nearly a coast-to-coast job. He's special and might just be a game breaker for the Jaguars this year. Q: How will the Week One Wonders perform? A: The most notable player who flashed on week one was first year defensive end Mkristo Bruce. Against Miami, Bruce didn't record a sack, but did make a couple of tackles against the run. Not bad, but not a huge follow-up performance. Greg Jones doesn't have to worry about making the roster, but he didn't make as big an impact running the ball against Miami–in fact he didn't get a single carry. Maybe Jack Del Rio has seen enough out of Jones in that role to feel confident this season. Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:06:55 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/308101 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/308101 Saturday night, the Jaguars host the Dolphins in the second preseason game of the year. Here's what I'll be watching for: Will Fred Taylor play? I'm not sure its all that important for Taylor to play at all in the preseason. After he didn't play at all last week, the Jaguars Pro Bowl running back might get a few carries against the Dolphins. Last week, running back's coach Kennedy Pola talked Jack Del Rio out of playing Taylor. Would he do that again? "Kennedy can be pretty convincing," Del Rio said. Troy Williamson. With the Jaguars receivers decimated by injuries, Williamson could get on the field in a Jaguars uniform for the first time. A hip flexor/groin injury held him out of action last week. If he plays, I want to see what kind of an impact his speed can make. I also want to see how he catches the ball. That was an issue with him in Minnesota, although Williamson says that he's put that behind him and is starting fresh in Jacksonville. Mike Walker's Hands. During off-season practices and later in training camp, Walker caught everything and made it look easy. But last week, he dropped two passes and fought another one. That was the first game Walker had played in in over two years, so I'll give him a pass for now, but that excuse won't fly any more. Walker has the tools to be a major impact in the passing game. But he has to be able to deal with the strain of gameday. Pass Rush. Especially Quentin Groves when and if he goes against the Dolphins rookie tackle Jake Long. Long was the first pick of the draft and he has the kind of talent that Groves will have to deal with on Sunday's. Witherspoon's Speed. Brian Witherspoon was an absolute blur on punt and kick returns last week. But he did fumble one punt return. Witherspoon has the speed to be the most electrifying return man in Jaguars' history, but he has to hold onto the ball. I'm expecting a big return from "Spoony" Saturday night. One Day Wonders. Del Rio had a good line here. "He plays great one day, then the next day, you wonder where he is." Among the players who flashed in the first game is Mkristo Bruce, who tallied 2 1/2 sacks in the second half. He's shows that he has some ability, but can he do it consistently and can he do it against better competition. Considering the Derrick Harvey stalemate, the Jaguars should probably find out just what kind of an impact Bruce can make at defensive end. Click here for today Jaguars Podcast. Sat, 16 Aug 2008 09:28:15 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/307085 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/307085 The last unsigned first-rounder is in the NFL is none other than……Jaguars DE Derrick Harvey? What in the name of Hugh Douglas is going on here? The Jaguars went into April's draft still smarting from the 26-for-28 passing performance that Patriots QB Tom Brady laid on the proud Jacksonville defense in the 2007 Divisional Round playoff game. Jacksonville was determined to get help for the aging defensive line by drafting defensive ends in consecutive rounds (DE Derrick Harvey at #8 overall and DE Quentin Groves at spot #52 overall). The initial shocker of the first round was the Jaguars trading up to spot #8 to take Harvey, who was the third-highest rated DE on the board (after Chris Long and Vernon Gholston). The Jaguars gave up their 1st rounder, two 3rd rounders, and a 4th rounder for the opportunity to go get Harvey. Many experts felt that the Jaguars' move to get Harvey was a reach. However, the Cincinnati Bengals, drafting at spot #9 and in dire need of a defensive end once Justin Smith bolted for San Francisco, probably would have selected Harvey anyway. So the Jaguars rolled the dice and took a chance on Harvey. Yet they still do not have their man in camp. Last week, head coach Jack Del Rio slammed the recent offers from the Harvey camp. Harvey's agents responded that they just want something that is "fair" in relation to the contracts that Gholston and DT Sedrick Ellis signed. Are the rookie contracts in the NFL out of control? Absolutely. Are the Jaguars the victims here? Absolutely not. The Jaguars had to have known what they were getting themselves into when they jumped into the top 10 of the first round. Most teams are looking to trade down to avoid paying the big contracts (and possibly grab some more lower-tier draft picks like what Baltimore did). Given the tepid success of the majority of Jacksonville's first round picks, it was quite surprising to see the Jaguars jump at the opportunity to go after a player who was going to cost a lot of money to sign. So almost two weeks since training camp began, the Jaguars and Harvey are at a stalemate. Harvey is losing valuable playing time, and it remains to be seen if the Jaguars will treat this situation much like Oakland did last year with QB JaMarcus Russell (Russell did not sign until the 2007 season had already begun). Contract negotiations are always a dance of death: neither side wants to give in. Usually, after much posturing, the two sides make up, reach some kind of agreement, and put on the phony smiles for a press conference at a later date. In Harvey's case, the Jaguars knew they wanted a young, premier pass rusher. But why go through with the blockbuster trade if you do not intend to pay the guy his fair-market value? Before the draft even started, the Miami Dolphins signed T Jake Long to a contract that included $30 million guaranteed. It's not like the writing wasn't on the wall for teams selecting early in the 1st round. Harvey is being unfairly labeled in some circles as greedy because of his holdout. However, I think this is a case of the Jaguars not following their normal sound advice of "buyer beware." Is it possible they are having some slight buyer's remorse and questioning their itchy trigger finger move during the draft? Whatever the reasons are for the Jaguars balking at getting Harvey into camp, the Jaguars made their bed and have to lie in it. If they want to make an example out of Harvey in relation to the out-of-control rookie contracts, so be it. But Harvey is certainly not the bad guy here. Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:38:30 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/302874 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/302874 Saturday, the Jaguars open the preseason against the Falcons. I believe that this year, even more than in the past, performance during the games will determine who starts and who makes the roster. Here are some guys to watch on Saturday. Quentin Groves - The rookie defensive end has shown a good burst in practice and several of the offensive linemen and fellow defensive linemen have given him good reviews. I want to see how he does when he can go "live" against the Falcons. James Wyche - With Derrick Harvey out, Wyche is the guy who has taken advantage of the opportunity. Maybe he's just a developmental guy, but maybe he's more than that. He can vault himself into the conversation this preseason. You can argue that he has the most to gain of any player in camp right now. Brian Williams - His switch to safety will be a topic all preseason. I'm not convinced that he has totally bought into it. I think he still thinks of himself as a cornerback. Maybe that's a good thing, but I'm going to see what kind of a difference his coverage skills make and if he can hold up physically as a strong safety. Matt Jones - He's looked better in camp (at time), than at any other time in his career. Did his off-season legal trouble serve as a wakeup call? I'm not convinced yet. Jones is scheduled to be arraigned August 11, so dealing with distractions is going to be a hurdle for him as well. Mike Walker - Quite simply, he's the most talented receiver the Jaguars have on the field right now. How will his knee hold up? Can he be the guy the Jags have been looking for since Jimmy Smith's retirement? Stay tuned. Cleo Lemon and Todd Bouman - I think its possible that the Jaguars will only keep two quarterbacks. One will, of course, be David Garrard. Lemon has been sporadic in camp. Bouman would have to do something special to unseat Lemon, but it is possible. If the Jaguars decide to go with three quarterbacks, you have to wonder where the other cuts will be made. Khalif Barnes and Richard Collier - Right now, Barnes has the edge. Collier didn't get down to the 330-335 pound range. Endurance could be an issue. Barnes says that he's always internally motivated. Maybe so. But I think he's been spurred on by Collier being declared a contender for the starting spot at left tackle. Drew Miller - The rookie from Florida looks like a practice squad candidate, but his technique is good and with Brad Meester likely out until October, Miller could wedge his way onto the roster as a backup. Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:01:54 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/302569 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/302569 Saturday, the Jaguars open the preseason against the Falcons. I believe that this year, even more than in the past, performance during the games will determine who starts and who makes the roster. Here are some guys to watch on Saturday. Quentin Groves - The rookie defensive end has shown a good burst in practice and several of the offensive linemen and fellow defensive linemen have given him good reviews. I want to see how he does when he can go "live" against the Falcons. James Wyche - With Derrick Harvey out, Wyche is the guy who has taken advantage of the opportunity. Maybe he's just a developmental guy, but maybe he's more than that. He can vault himself into the conversation this preseason. You can argue that he has the most to gain of any player in camp right now. Brian Williams - His switch to safety will be a topic all preseason. I'm not convinced that he has totally bought into it. I think he still thinks of himself as a cornerback. Maybe that's a good thing, but I'm going to see what kind of a difference his coverage skills make and if he can hold up physically as a strong safety. Matt Jones - He's looked better in camp (at time), than at any other time in his career. Did his off-season legal trouble serve as a wakeup call? I'm not convinced yet. Jones is scheduled to be arraigned August 11, so dealing with distractions is going to be a hurdle for him as well. Mike Walker - Quite simply, he's the most talented receiver the Jaguars have on the field right now. How will his knee hold up? Can he be the guy the Jags have been looking for since Jimmy Smith's retirement? Stay tuned. Cleo Lemon and Todd Bouman - I think its possible that the Jaguars will only keep two quarterbacks. One will, of course, be David Garrard. Lemon has been sporadic in camp. Bouman would have to do something special to unseat Lemon, but it is possible. If the Jaguars decide to go with three quarterbacks, you have to wonder where the other cuts will be made. Khalif Barnes and Richard Collier - Right now, Barnes has the edge. Collier didn't get down to the 330-335 pound range. Endurance could be an issue. Barnes says that he's always internally motivated. Maybe so. But I think he's been spurred on by Collier being declared a contender for the starting spot at left tackle. Drew Miller - The rookie from Florida looks like a practice squad candidate, but his technique is good and with Brad Meester likely out until October, Miller could wedge his way onto the roster as a backup. Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:01:54 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/302569 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/302569 As the Jaguars approach their pre-season opener, there is still no immediate signing of Derrick Harvey expected. When camp began, Jack Del Rio admitted that there is a point that an unsigned draft pick starts to lose value to the team. Has Derrick Harvey gotten to that point yet? Probably not, but you have to wonder where that line in the mind of the Jaguars coaches. Can Harvey come to camp and make an immediate impact? "A little bit of it is natural ability," admitted veteran defensive end Paul Spicer. "Guys can come in, and off God given talent can get to the quarterback." But it takes more than just talent to make plays consistently, Spicer warns. "There is no successful pass rusher who just came and said 'That's all me, I didn't have to do nothin.' No, you have to work on it." Spicer said. That being said, rookies have, in the past, made big impacts as pass rusher. Jevon Kearse, Dwight Freeny and Simeon Rice are among those who have recorded double digit sacks as rookies. Second round pick Quentin Groves has looked good rushing the passer and has received positive reviews from offensive linemen like Maurice Williams and Khalif Barnes. Groves was also singled out by Del Rio after Friday night's scrimmage. Was that a message for Harvey? Maybe. But Groves' performance in pre-season games might just give the Jaguars more leverage…then again, it could go just the other way. Notes: Linebacker Clint Ingram said that he might be back on the practice field this evening after leaving practice Monday with an ankle injury. He also thinks that he might play on Saturday in the pre-season opener. When asked what he thought of the current state of rookie contracts, Spicer replied "I wish I was 25 again." Here's an interesting scenario to consider: Brad Meester will likely be out until October recovering from his biceps surgery. The Jaguars will have to keep Meester around in the meantime, eating up a roster spot. Might that spot cost Matt Jones? As far as the wide receiver are concerned, Jerry Porter, Reggie Williams, Mike Walker, Dennis Northcutt and Troy Williamson seem to be in. Would the Jaguars keep more than five receivers on the roster? They may have to use one of the last roster spots on a player who would help on special teams, or maybe an extra offensive linemen to have around in case of another injury up front. That could make it tough for anyone outside of those top five receivers to make the squad. Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:04:02 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/301592 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/301592 Several items of interest involving the Jacksonville Jaguars, courtesy of Michael C. Wright of the South Florida Times-Union: It appears that the switch from cornerback to safety may be a permanent move for Brian Williams - that is if the indication from the depth chart that the Jags released for Saturday's preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons.  The team has Williams listed as the starter at strong safety, opposite Reggie Nelson, who is at free safety. Head coach Jack Del Rio praised defensive end Quentin Groves for his play in Friday's scrimmage, stating that the team's offense could not do anything on the left side because of Groves' presence; Del Rio's complimentary words could be assumed to be a subtle push towards getting rookie holdout Derrick Harvey into camp. Tight end Isaac Smolko, signed by the Jags on Monday, will wear #47; he replaces Anthony Cotrone on the roster.  Cotrone was placed on the waived/injured list after tearing his left ACL in Friday's scrimmage; if Cotrone clears waivers, he will be placed on the team's injured reserve list. Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:52:42 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/301362 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/301362 The Jaguars annual pre-season scrimmage has evolved into little more than a set of drills inside Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. The 12,190 fans who attended Saturday night did get a little taste of what's to come. Especially from rookie defensive end Quentin Groves. Groves and the rest of the rookies were sporting new hair cuts, courtesy of some of the veterans. Groves had the letter "G" carved in the back of his head and had half of his beard shaved off. He took the hazing in stride, then disrupted the short scrimmage. "Offensively at the end, we couldn't do anything because Quentin Groves kept coming off the left side," Del Rio said of the rookie second round pick. "That was good to see. David Garrard led the offense on an efficient touchdown drive in his only work of the scrimmage. Garrard completed 4 of 5 passes, including a touchdown pass to Matt Jones. Del Rio has been cautious this year, more than normal. With high expectations for the team, reduced roster sizes without NFL Europa exemptions, and an experienced squad, the Jaguars have been less physical in camp this year, focusing more no the mental side of the game. So the next to last play of the scrimmage portion oft he evening was exactly what Del Rio wanted to avoid. As a mix of second and third teamers worked, rookie fullback Anthony Cotrone went down with a leg injury. Del Rio didn't have more specific information immediately following the scrimmage, but Cotrone was helped off the field and there is some concern that the injury could be a serious one. It's possible that a decision for a roster spot could have come down to Cotrone and fellow rookie Chauncey Washington. And just moments after Cotrone's injury, Washington took a hand-off, bounced to the outside, and out raced three defenders to the end zone. That was enough for Del Rio, who blew the horn ending the scrimmage, avoiding any other injuries. Injury Notes: Jack Del Rio got some good news on the injury front. Wide receiver Reggie Williams, who had his knee scoped, should be back before the end of the preseason, according to the head coach. Center Brad Meester, who had his injured biceps surgically repaired by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, could be back as soon as October. Until then, Dennis Norman will hold down the center spot. Sat, 02 Aug 2008 17:12:52 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/299894 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/299894 The Jaguars annual pre-season scrimmage has evolved into little more than a set of drills inside Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. The 12,190 fans who attended Saturday night did get a little taste of what's to come. Especially from rookie defensive end Quentin Groves. Groves and the rest of the rookies were sporting new hair cuts, courtesy of some of the veterans. Groves had the letter "G" carved in the back of his head and had half of his beard shaved off. He took the hazing in stride, then disrupted the short scrimmage. "Offensively at the end, we couldn't do anything because Quentin Groves kept coming off the left side," Del Rio said of the rookie second round pick. "That was good to see. David Garrard led the offense on an efficient touchdown drive in his only work of the scrimmage. Garrard completed 4 of 5 passes, including a touchdown pass to Matt Jones. Del Rio has been cautious this year, more than normal. With high expectations for the team, reduced roster sizes without NFL Europa exemptions, and an experienced squad, the Jaguars have been less physical in camp this year, focusing more no the mental side of the game. So the next to last play of the scrimmage portion oft he evening was exactly what Del Rio wanted to avoid. As a mix of second and third teamers worked, rookie fullback Anthony Cotrone went down with a leg injury. Del Rio didn't have more specific information immediately following the scrimmage, but Cotrone was helped off the field and there is some concern that the injury could be a serious one. It's possible that a decision for a roster spot could have come down to Cotrone and fellow rookie Chauncey Washington. And just moments after Cotrone's injury, Washington took a hand-off, bounced to the outside, and out raced three defenders to the end zone. That was enough for Del Rio, who blew the horn ending the scrimmage, avoiding any other injuries. Injury Notes: Jack Del Rio got some good news on the injury front. Wide receiver Reggie Williams, who had his knee scoped, should be back before the end of the preseason, according to the head coach. Center Brad Meester, who had his injured biceps surgically repaired by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, could be back as soon as October. Until then, Dennis Norman will hold down the center spot. Sat, 02 Aug 2008 17:12:52 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/299894 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/299894 Jacksonville's prodigal rookie DE, Derrick Harvey, told fellow rookie DE Quentin Groves that he and the Jaguars were getting close to a deal. That would nail down both the floor and ceiling for AWOL Bengals LB Keith Rivers and likely spur getting him into camp. The Bengals hold their annual intrasquad scrimmage tonight. Just a week into [...] Fri, 01 Aug 2008 08:47:28 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/299233 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/299233