Bryan Anger Contract: Rookie Punter Agrees To Deal

Bryan Anger, the Jacksonville Jaguars' third-round selection from last April's NFL Draft, has agreed to terms on a rookie contract, ensuring that he'll be in attendance when the team begins training camp on Thursday.

Anger, who played collegiately at Cal, was selected with the No. 70 pick. A three-time Pac-12 first-teamer, he averaged 43.5 yards per punt, including 90 inside the 20-yard line over a four-year career with the Golden Bears.

He is the second-to-last Jaguars rookie to ink a deal or agree to terms. Other draft picks Andre Branch, Brandon Marshall, Mike Harris and Jeris Pendleton have all signed contracts. The lone unresolved contract situation remains former Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon in the wake of his guilty plea following a drunken driving offense last month.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's Jaguars blog Big Cat Country. Check out SB Nation's NFL hub for more on all 32 teams.

Jaguars Sign 3rd-Round Pick Brian Anger

With training camp just days away, the Jacksonville Jaguars signed one of two unsigned draft picks. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Wednesday morning that the team came to terms with punter Brian Anger, the team's third-round pick.

Jags signed 3rd-rd Bryan Anger last night, meaning Justin Blackmon is their last unsigned pick. His deal not expected to be done before camp

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 25, 2012

Anger's deal leaves first-round pick Justin Blackmon as the team's only unsigned rookie. That deal, as Schefter notes could take a little more time and cause him to miss the start of training camp. The reason for the delay on Blackmon's deal is his DUI arrest earlier this summer. The two sides are at odds over offset language in the deal.

The Jaguars are due to report for training camp on Thursday, July 26, and will hold their first full squad practice the next day.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's NFL page as well as Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

Maurice Jones-Drew Wanted To Be An Astronaut

Justin Blackmon Contract: Jaguars Will Begin Serious Negotiations Soon, According To Report

Since getting arrested for aggravated DUI, many assumed that contract negotiations between the Jaguars and Justin Blackmon would be complicated considering the protection that the team would pursue. However, apparently the two sides haven't done much negotiations at all, although that will change soon.

According to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk, the two sides will begin "talking more seriously soon." With all players reporting to training camp for the Jaguars on Thursday, the lack of "serious" negotiations thus far validate Florida Times-Union writer, Tania Ganguli's, prediction that Blackmon would not be signed in time for camp.

With fourth overall pick Matt Kalil and sixth overall pick Morris Claiborne both still unsigned, there is still some uncertainty for both sides regarding where the numbers should be and those negotiations could be further slowed by the "protections" that the Jaguars will look to give themselves in the contract.

There's no reason not to believe that Blackmon's contract could take longer to finalize than any other rookie in the NFL.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's NFL page as well as Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

Jaguars Offseason 2012: How Will Justin Blackmon's Contract Negotiations Be Affected By Robert Griffin III's Signing?

With the Washington Redskins finally signing quarterback Robert Griffin III to a four-year deal on Wednesday, fans are probably wondering how that signing will affect the negotiations of other high draft picks. The negotiations of the Jacksonville Jaguars' first round pick, wide receiver Justin Blackmon, will probably not be seriously affected by Griffin's contract, according to an article by Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union.

Ganguli says that the big hold up for many of the top draft picks is the inclusion of something called offset language.

Offset language gives a team relief if they release a player with a guaranteed contract and he signs with another team. Without the offset language, the player can double-dip. With offset language, the player's old team would be off the hook for the amount the new team pays him.

For reference, Griffin does not have offset language in his contract. Because of Blackmon's offseason DUI, the Jaguars are be pushing to put offset language in his contract.

Blackmon's contract is much more likely to include protection for the Jaguars because of his DUI arrest earlier this offseason. This collective bargaining agreement gives the Jaguars a little more freedom to protect themselves in case of future off-the-field problems.

It makes sense that the Jaguars do want to protect themselves in case Blackmon does indeed make another off-field mistake. Ganguli does report that the Jaguars fully expect to sign Blackmon to a contract before training camp begins.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's NFL page as well as Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

Jaguars Free Agency 2012: Kicker Josh Scobee Signs A 4-Year Deal Worth $3.45 Million Per Year

One of the two biggest names that were holding out for the Jacksonville Jaguars finally signed on Monday. Kicker Josh Scobee signed a four-year deal with the Jaguars worth $3.45 million per year, according to a tweet by Florida Times-Union Jaguars beat writer, Tania Ganguli.

The #Jaguars have reached a multi-year deal with kicker @JoshScobee10 according to a source familiar with the negotiations.

— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) July 16, 2012

Scobee's deal worth $3.45 million per year with $4.75M guaranteed. Guarantee is a $3.75M signing bonus and $1M first-year salary. #Jaguars

— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) July 16, 2012

Scobee's deal now puts him as the third-highest paid kicker in the NFL behind Oakland Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski and Cleveland Browns kicker Phil Dawson.

Now the Jaguars only have to worry about putting a deal together for running back Maurice Jones-Drew and then all the players that they need to have ready for the 2012 season will be under contract.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit the Jaguars blog Big Cat Country. Still not enough football for you? Then make sure to check out the SB Nation NFL Hub Page for all the latest news from all 32 teams during the offseason.

Odrick Ray Arrested For Outstanding Traffic Warrants

A hopeful for making the Jacksonville Jaguars roster in 2012 may have seen his dream derailed, as defensive end Odrick Ray was arrested Friday night in Tulsa, Oklahoma for having outstanding traffic warrants.

Ray was pulled over for speeding and not having his seat belt on, but when police discovered he had numerous other warrants, he was taken into custody.

After playing four seasons at Tulsa, Ray was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2011 with the Jags, but was released at the conclusion of the preseason. He was given another chance to crack the squad in 2012, but after this arrest, it would seem to be impossible.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit the Jaguars blog Big Cat Country. Still not enough football for you? Then make sure to check out the SB Nation NFL Hub Page for all the latest news from all 32 teams during the offseason.

Jaguars Black Uniform

Jaguars FB Greg Jones Be A Cap Casualty?

The Jacksonville Jaguars are one of the teams in the NFL who have no cap issues whatsoever, and actually have some of the most cap room in the league. THat doesn't mean however that the team will hold onto contracts that don't make much sense, money wise.

Brian McIntyre of NFL.com thinks that fullback Greg Jones could wind up a salary casualty when the team cuts down the roster.

Fullback Greg Jones played in fewer than 40 percent of the Jaguars' offensive snaps last season and gained a total of just 26 yards from scrimmage; he also scored a touchdown and added a pair of tackles on special teams. Will first-year head coach Mike Mularkey's offense incorporate the fullback enough that the team can justify keeping the 31-year-old Jones around on a $3.4 million base salary?

Fullback is a position that's being phased out of most NFL offenses, but Jaguars head coach Mike Mularkey still likes to use the fullback in his offense. Jones is arguably a Pro-Bowl caliber lead blocker, so it will be interesting to see how much Mularkey will value that going for ward.

Greg Jones is in the final year of his contract.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's NFL page as well as Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

Jaguars Need To Resolve Josh Scobee Deal, Or Face Long Term Consequences

The Jacksonville Jaguars are trying to figure out a way to sign kicker Josh Scobee to a long term deal. The team placed the franchise tag on Scobee and has until July 16 to work out a long term deal, else Scobee will have to play under the franchise tag for the 2012 season, that is if he signs the franchise tag which he's yet to do.

Tania Ganguli of The Florida Times-Union explains why not coming to a long term deal can actually harm the chances of the Jaguars reaching a long term deal with Scobee.

Scobee's frustration with the team after having to play one season under the tag could sour him to a multi-year deal starting in 2013. Remember, punter Adam Podlesh, a close friend of Scobee's, left Jacksonville with some animosity toward the franchise. The Jaguars could then tag Scobee at $3.45 million (120 percent of this year's tag) and force him to remain in Jacksonville one more year. But after that the price to tag him skyrockets.

Under this collective bargaining agreement, the third time a non-quarterback is franchised, he gets the average salary of the top-five quarterbacks from the previous year. By 2014 that could be about $18 million. As in, no chance any team pays a kicker that.

The Jaguars have had trouble with the specialists lately it seems, as the team has also yet to sign third-round pick punter Bryan Anger.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's NFL page as well as Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

2012 NFL Power Rankings: Jaguars Come In At No. 30 In Pro Football Talk's Countdown

With a new head coach, new owner, new coordinators and a new philosophy permeating the franchise's culture, there's plenty to be optimistic about for Jaguars fans in 2012. However, picking up where the end of the Jack Del Rio era ended, the amount of work in front of both Sam Khan and Mike Mularkey still places the Jags at No. 30 on Pro Football Talk's 2012 preseason Power Rankings.

With nearly wholesale changes across the board, PFT ties any shot of the Jags' contending in 2012 to the development of young Blaine Gabbert. The best news for the Jags is their address at home in the AFC South, which save for returning champs Houston, is fairly manageable on the schedule:

The early returns from the offseason were good, and if he can reverse course, the Jaguars could be a better team in 2012.They have the benefit of playing in an AFC South with at least one team as bad as they are (the Colts), meaning they won’t simply be swamped in the division. And opening at Minnesota gives them an opportunity to steal a road win against another bottom-dweller with reasonable questions about their young quarterback.

Solid-to-respectable would be the upper limit here.

Given the long-term path the teams needs to regain stability, solid-to-respectable is a great start.

Austen Lane's Offseason Workout

Jaguars And Josh Scobee Restart Contract Talks

Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Josh Scobee yet to sign the franchise tag, which the Jaguars placed on him during NFL free agency. Under the tag, Scobee would make $2.88 million for the 2012 NFL season and the two sides have until July 16 to work out a long term deal.. The two sides have restarted contract talks however, according to a report by Vito Stellino of The Florida Times-Union.

Kicker Josh Scobee and the Jaguars have resumed contract talks according to a source familiar with the negotiations.

The two sides hadn't talked for months after the Jaguars put the franchise tag on him until they started up again recently in advance of the July 16 deadline.

There are some deals signed recently that the Jaguars and Scobee can frame a contract around. Denver Broncos kicker Matt Prater just recently signed a four-year $13 million deal while Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Connor Barth has a four-year $13.2 million deal. Barth does not handle kickoffs however, which is something Scobee excels at, so his side could argue for a bigger contract than Barth.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

Greg Cosell On Maurice Jones-Drew: 'At His Core, He's Somewhat Of A Power Runner'

While Maurice Jones-Drew continues to hold out for a new contract, more is made of his skill set as a running back. Given the fact that he led the league in rushing on the worst offense in the NFL, there's something to be said about his abilities. Greg Cosell of ESPN's NFL Matchup talked with Evan Silva of Rotoworld about what Jones-Drew brings to the Jaguars.

I love Maurice Jones-Drew. I don't know how most people talk about him, because he's short. He's obviously not small, he's just short. He's really, to me, a power runner who's tough to get a hold of. What I mean by that is, he's very difficult to bring down. But because he's small, hard to see, and shifty as well, guys don't really get a full grasp of him. And he runs through an awful lot of arm tackles. So even though he's shifty and has elusiveness, I think at his core, he's somewhat of a power runner.

Despite the lack of size, there's no questioning that Jones-Drew certainly has some abilities of a power back, that's why he's had the success that he has had in his early career. So far in six season, Jones-Drew has rushed for 6,854 yards on 1,484 carries, bringing his rushing average to 4.6 yards per carry.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

Jaguars Could Play 2013 Home Game In London

Since his purchase of the Jaguars, new owner Shahid Khan has been outspoken about spreading the team's brand worldwide and boosting the team's popularity. Among the ideas he was interested in was the possibility of the Jaguars playing a game overseas. An idea that the Jaguars are still interested in as Mark Lamping, president of non-football operations, told Vito Stellino.

We've expressed an interest to the NFL in hopefully being one of those teams," Lamping said. "We think it will increase the profile of the franchise, and Jacksonville can use it to market the city. What's good for Jacksonville is good for the Jaguars.

But with the Rams set to host each of the next two London games in NFL's International Series, the opportunity for the Jaguars seemed slim. That is, until Patriots owner Robert Kraft said that another game could be played there. Per Stellino:

On a promotional tour in London this week for his team's Oct. 28 game there against the St. Louis Rams, Kraft said, "It is the intention of the NFL owners to get two games here, starting next year."

If that is the case, Stellino says the "odds seem to be good" that the Jaguars would be the team to fill the home team slot.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

Jacksonville Jaguars Announce Training Camp Schedule, Eight Sessions Open To The Public Starting July 27

The Jacksonville Jaguars will open their training camp on Friday, July 27. While the 9:45 a.m. session will be closed, the 2:15 p.m. session will be open to the public. That will be the first of eight sessions open to the public at the Florida Blue Health & Wellness Practice Fields that are adjacent to EverBank Field.

None of the walk-through sessions will be open to the public, according to a press release by the team. There will be no charge for the sessions and free parking will be available at the parking lots around the stadium.

The 2012 Jaguars training camp schedule for practices open to the public will be as follows.

Thursday, July 26; Players report
Friday, July 27; Practice at 9:45 a.m. (walk-through, not open to public) and 2:15
Saturday, July 28; Practice at 9:45 a.m. (walk-through, not open to public) and 2:15
Sunday, July 29; Players day off - no practice
Monday, July 30; Practice at 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (walk-through, not open to public)
Tuesday, July 31; Practice at 8:30 a.m. and 4:55 p.m. (walk-through, not open to public)
Wednesday, August 1; Practice at 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (walk-through, not open to public)
Thursday, August 2; Practice at 8:30 a.m. and 4:55 p.m. (walk-through, not open to public)
Friday, August 3; Practice at 9:15 a.m. (walk-through, not open to public) and 6:30 p.m. scrimmage
Saturday, August 4; Players day off - no practice
Sunday, August 5; Practice at 3:00 p.m. --- last practice open to the public

The Jaguars will be finishing training camp after those first ten days with practices only open to the media. The team will officially break camp on August 19.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

Maurice Jones-Drew Should Be Proud To Be Featured In "The Body Issue"

Josh Scobee, Jaguars Haven't Spoken In Months

Following the assignment of the franchise tag to Josh Scobee, the Jaguars have apparently not bothered to even consider negotiating a long-term contract with the kicker. Less than a week after Gene Smith told Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union that there had been no recent talks with Scobee, the kicker's agent, Ken Harris, told Vito Stellino of the Times-Union that they've been waiting for months to speak with the Jaguars.

His agent, Ken Harris, emailed, "Josh has asked me not to discuss specifics of negotiations other than what has already been said. That is, we had some talks early on involving proposals from both sides, but haven't heard back from them in months. We know our last proposal is very fair.''

According to Ganguli, Scobee is looking for a deal similar to that of Buccaneers kicker Connor Barth who signed a four-year deal worth $3.3 million per year with $4 million guaranteed.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

Jaguars Offseason: Justin Blackmon Best Used In 'Short To Intermediate' Routes, According To Greg Cosell

With training camp fast approaching for the Jacksonville Jaguars, there are questions about how to most effectively use rookie wide receiver Justin Blackmon. Particularly with a young quarterback in desperate need of a good season, like Blaine Gabbert.

Greg Cosell of ESPN's NFL Matchup show said in an interview with Yahoo! Sports' Doug Farrar that Blackmon can be the most effective on short to intermediate passing routes.

Blackmon is at his best working the short to intermediate areas. Think of how Roddy White is used in Atlanta -- and I'm not saying that Blackmon is Roddy White this season -- but Roddy White doesn't run a lot of vertical routes unless it's a specifically designed shot play. He works a lot of shorter routes in the middle of the field. A lot of crossers and drag-type routes. I could easily see Blackmon doing that, and being very successful.

It goes without saying that both Gabbert needs to have Blackmon be effective at running routes so that he can change people's minds about him. If both he and Blackmon can have effective seasons, the Jaguars could be well on their way back to respectability.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

Josh Scobee, Jaguars Aren't Talking About A New Contract

The deadline for players that were franchised tagged to sign a new long term deal is quickly approaching. Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Josh Scobee has recently said that there hasn't been any constructive progress in negotiations for a long term deal, according to an article on Pro Football Talk by Josh Alper.

The Jaguars slapped the franchise tag on Scobee in February and both sides have said quite frequently that they are interested in making a deal that runs beyond 2012. Despite that interest, there was no movement toward a deal in May and there's still no movement less than a month before the deadline to sign a franchised player to a multi-year deal.

In the same article, Alper acknowledges a report by Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union that Scobee is looking for a deal similar to the one Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Connor Barth got right after being franchise tagged. Barth signed a four-year deal with Tampa Bay worth $3.3 million per year with $4 million guaranteed. If Scobee plays this year under the franchise tag, he will earn $2.88 million.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

NFL Top 100: Maurice Jones-Drew Ranked In Top 20

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew is trying to get a new contract and his ranking on the NFL Top 100 could give him a bit more leverage. Last season, Jones-Drew was No. 30 on that list.

Tania Ganguli of The Florida Times-Union reports that she got a note about Jones-Drew's inclusion on the list.

Got a note saying the first Jaguar would be on Wednesday's show, and that he was on last year's list as well.

Only one player fits that description: Maurice Jones-Drew.

Jones-Drew will rank ahead of at least 12 other running backs in the Top 100, including the Baltimore Ravens' Ray Rice (No. 22), the Houston Texans' Arian Foster (No. 25) and the San Francisco 49ers' Frank Gore (No. 28).

Jones-Drew could potentially use this ranking by his fellow players as leverage to get a more lucrative contract extension done with the Jaguars organization ahead of training camp.

The episode that should show what position Jones-Drew should be ranked, which will be positions 11-20, will air Wednesday at 8 p.m. on NFL Network.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

Jaguars Free Agency 2012: Veteran Cornerback Reggie Corner Signed By Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Jaguars are trying to improve themselves going into training camp. One way they are doing that is by trying to address their secondary. According to a tweet on the official Jacksonville Jaguars twitter page, the team has signed veteran cornerback Reggie Corner to a contract.

Jaguars signed veteran CB Reggie Corner, rookie WR Charles Gilbert and rookie Dan Hoch to contracts.Corner spent last 4 years with Bills.

— jaguarsinsider (@jaguarsinsider) June 20, 2012

Corner, a fourth round pick of the Buffalo Bills out of Akron in 2008, has played four seasons in the NFL. During that time, he has intercepted two passes, defended 21 passes and recorded 119 total tackles over his career.

The Jaguars also announced a number of players waived from the roster on Wednesday.

Club waived WR Chris Forcier, CB Dontrell Johnson and LB Donovan Richard, all rookie free agents.

— jaguarsinsider (@jaguarsinsider) June 20, 2012

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

Jaguars Will Not Be Giving A New Deal To Maurice Jones-Drew

Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Gene Smith confirmed that starting running back Maurice Jones-Drew wants a new contract. Jones-Drew had a career year in 2011 by leading the league and rushing and feels that he should be rewarded.

However, Smith has no plans to renegotiate a new deal with Jones-Drew since he is currently under contract for another two seasons, and Smith expects Jones-Drew to fulfill the rest of his contract.

Jones-Drew signed a five-year deal worth $31 million back in 2009 and is expected to make $4.95 million this upcoming season. That amount is much less than other running backs in the league, and Jones-Drew wants to be paid in a similar fashion.

A tipping point could come on Tuesday when the Jaguars have a mandatory three-day mini-camp, and if Jones-Drew skips out on those he will be fined $60,000. Smith expects all players under contract to attend, but he acknowledges that it is up to Jones-Drew if he wants to attend.

For more on the Jags, head over to Jacksonville Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

Aaron Kampman Released By Jacksonville Jaguars

After two unproductive seasons that have been destroyed by injuries, the Jacksonville Jaguars have parted ways with defensive lineman Aaron Kampman. His release was announced at a press conference on Thursday. Kampman was scheduled to make $5 million this upcoming season.

Kampman, a former Pro Bowl selection, had an extremely productive career with the Green Bay Packers before injuries derailed his career. He hasn't been able to play at that level since 2008, the last year he played as an end in Green Bay. He tore his ACL in 2009, which marked a career downturn. He recovered and was given a four-year, $24 million contract by the Jaguars in 2010, but never stayed healthy long enough to be worth that much to the Jags.

Even though Kampman's eventual release was widely anticipated because of his large salary, there was always a small chance that he could make the roster. His departure means that Austen Lane, who is recovering from an injury of his own, and rookie Andre Branch will have chances to play regularly this upcoming season.

For more on the Jags, head over to Jacksonville Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

Rashean Mathis Injury Update: Jaguars CB Medically Cleared

Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Rashean Mathis tore his ACL last November in a game against the Indianapolis Colts. Now six-and-a-half months after his knee surgery, Mathis appears to be on track to be ready for Jaguar's training camp. Mathis claims that he has been cleared by Dr. James Andrews and also says that he will be able to participate in Jaguars minicamp next week.

I'm sure we're going to take things slow, because we still have a few months before the actual season starts, but he has cleared me to participate with the team.

The Jaguars will likely not put Mathis through a lot of strenuous activities since he still is not yet at 100 percent. The fact that he is cleared for activity with the team is a step in the right direction regardless.

Mathis has started 125 games over the last nine seasons with Jacksonville. A Pro Bowler in 2006, Mathis has recorded 498 tackles, 30 interceptions, 78 passes defensed and one sack.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

Jaguars Offseason 2012: Jacksonville Signs 7th-Round Pick, Jeris Pendleton

The Jacksonville Jaguars announced on Monday that the team has signed seventh-round pick Jeris Pendleton. A product of Ashland University, Pendleton will receive a four-year deal. Terms of the deal were not disclosed at the time of the announcement.

Pendleton is a 6'2" 328 pound defensive tackle from Chicago. After two years at Joliet Junior College, he transferred to Ashland University where he played for two more years. He finished his college career at Ashland with six sacks and 11 tackles for a loss. He was the 228th player selected in the draft.

Jacksonville now has three of its six picks from the 2012 draft under contract, including defensive end Andre Branch and cornerback Mike Harris. Branch is the highest draft pick that the Jags have signed. The first Clemson player selected in the draft, he went at 38th overall in the second round.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

Laurent Robinson A 'Matchup Buster,' According To ESPN

Wide reciever Laurent Robinson was one of the bright spots for the Jacksonville Jaguars last season. He caught 54 passes for 858 yards and 11 touchdowns. What was just as impressive was his performance against top-tier cornerbacks in the NFL. He's done such a good job against them in his career, that KC Joyner of ESPN has named him a 'Matchup Buster.'

A 'Matchup Buster' according to Joyner is a receiver that averages over eight yards per attempt against cornerbacks that allow less than nine yards per attempt. Robinson for his efforts, averages 9.7 yards per attempt. Joyner says in his summary of Robinson, that if quarterback Blaine Gabbert can't improve his numbers with both Robinson and rookie wide receiver Justin Blackmon, the Jaguars may have to go back to the drawing board at quarterback.

Robinson took full advantage of the opportunity placed before him in 2011, and his showing in this statistic proves that he did so despite concerted defensive efforts to stop him. If Blaine Gabbert can't appreciably improve his numbers by throwing to Robinson and Justin Blackmon, the Jaguars will know they need a new quarterback

The Jaguars certainly hope that Robinson will be a receiver that can be that top target for Gabbert so that they won't have to address the position yet again.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

Jaguars Offseason 2012: Jacksonville Signs 6th Round Pick Mike Harris

Yesterday, the Jacksonville Jaguars announced the signing of sixth-round pick Mike Adams on the team's Facebook page. Harris is a cornerback out of Florida State, and the terms of the deal were not disclosed. He is the second draft pick to sign with the Jaguars, in addition to Andre Brach, the second-round pick and defensive end out of Clemson. The team has yet to sign their first-round pick, Justin Blackmon.

Over at Big Cat Country, Adam Stites has more info on Adams:

Harris, 23, was a highly recruited junior college transfer who made an instant impact after joining Florida State in 2010, serving as the primary nickelback. In two seasons with the Seminoles, Harris finished with five interceptions and 99 tackles.

Head coach Mike Mularkey has discussed the possibility of Harris being used in "Wildcat" sets in the future due to his background as a quarterback and his versatility as an athlete.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

Mike Mularkey Impressed With Blaine Gabbert's Grasp Of Jaguars Offense

Blaine Gabbert's rookie year was a struggle, so much so that national media couldn't resist linking the team to every decent available quarterback until they signed elsewhere. The Jags, understandably, had no interest in writing off a young player with just under one season's worth of starting experience.

The Jaguars are installing a new offense this offseason, and early reports on Gabbert's progress have been positive. Head coach Mike Mularkey spoke on Thursday about Gabbert's confidence and grasp of the new offense.

"You know that by when you call the play you step right in the huddle and call the play," Mularkey said. "I haven't been around a lot of quarterbacks the first time you introduce a brand new offense that can walk in the huddle and call the play with the impression that ‘I know it so well that it's going to work' with that kind of mentality. That has been outstanding on his part."

Between this and previous praise of Gabbert's improved footwork, the Jaguars' quarterback will be expected to improve significantly on his rookie campaign.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

Maurice Jones-Drew Not As Explosive?

Maurice Jones-Drew has been the face of the Jacksonville Jaguars franchise since he signed a contract extension with the team in 2009. Part of the reason why the Jaguars may be so hesitant to pay the running back is because now that Jones-Drew is getting closer to 30 years old, the team is worried that he's losing some explosiveness, according to CBS Sports writer Pete Prisco.

Jones-Drew will be 29 when his current deal expires. He is smart enough to know that backs nearing 30 usually don't get big deals, which is why he wants one now. That's understandable. It's also the reason why the Jaguars won't give him one. Let him play out this deal, and then see what happens. This isn't a back league anymore, and teams are more and more reluctant to pay backs.

Prisco says that despite his hold out from OTAs with two years remaining on his contract, he is getting largely a free pass from fans in Jacksonville because of his status as the face of the franchise. Prisco says that that may not be a bad thing, as it could help pave the way to really helping the establishment of the passing game under quarterback Blaine Gabbert

He is seemingly getting a pass from the fans for not being around Jacksonville, even if the work isn't mandatory. The good thing is that with Jones-Drew gone, the team can start morphing from being so run-heavy to a team that is built around the passing game.

The Jaguars certainly hope that any issues between them and Jones-Drew can be resolved before the start of the season.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

Jaguars Agree To Terms With Second-Round Pick

Clemson defensive end Andre Branch was selected by Jacksonville with the No. 38 overall pick in the NFL Draft.

Blaine Gabbert Already Showing Improvement

The biggest question surrounding Jaguars fans this offseason is whether or not Blaine Gabbert can be the quarterback of the future for Jacksonville. While his rookie year was far from successful, its usually the second year where quarterbacks can be legitimately judged for what they can or cannot do.

New Jaguars head coach Mike Mularkey is already talking about how much Gabbert has improved during this offseason according to a post by ESPN's Paul Kuharsky while he was talking with Jacksonville offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski.

What we've tried to do is get him to slow his feet down just a little bit, take shorter steps and stand taller in the pocket. Those are some things we identified when we first looked at him, and he's improving on those things out there right now. You can see him carrying it into the actual plays we're running in team situations.

Footwork is something that a pocket quarterback like Gabbert can ill-afford to not improve going into the second year of his career.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

Jaguars OTAs: Mike Thomas' Contract Might Save His Struggles

With the Jacksonville Jaguars currently in the midst of OTAs, much is being made of the struggles of Mike Thomas. Mark Long of the Associated Press recently gave a scathing twitter post in regards to Thomas.

The more I watch the Jaguars practice, the less convinced I am that WR Mike Thomas will be on roster after training camp

— Mark Long (@APMarkLong) May 23, 2012

While struggles are a good reason to think that he will be let go by the Jaguars, his contract may be what keeps him around. This past October, Thomas signed a three year extension worth $18 million with an extra $9 million guaranteed. Florida Times Union writer Tania Ganguli goes into detail more about his salary and figures that Thomas will make money from the Jaguars regardless of whether or not he's on the roster.

That makes about $6 million between this season and next season that the Jaguars have to pay Thomas whether he is on the roster or not.

If the Jaguars do keep him, it will help with wide receiver depth if nothing else. And despite his production dropping to 415 yards last season, the wide receiver caught passes for 820 yards in 2010. He could find an opportunity to play one way or another.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

Mike Mularkey Says Give Blaine Gabbert A Chance

Lets call a spade a spade, Jacksonville Jaguars' quarterback Blaine Gabbert did not have a good rookie season. But in all seriousness, after original starting quarterback David Garrard was released in September and former head coach Jack Del Rio was fired in November, were comparisons to fellow rookie quarterbacks Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers and Andy Dalton of the Cincinnati Bengals fair?

All that Jacksonville's new head coach Mike Mularkey is asking for is for fans and the media to give Gabbert a chance to show that he can play well in the NFL. During his defense of Gabbert, he stressed how important the number of repetitions a quarterback would get in camp would be.

I really don't want to talk about players on other teams. The repetitions in camp are important, every one of them is important that you get. And I don't know the amount that Blaine got compared to anyone else in this camp last year, but I'm sure it wasn't the amount he would have liked ... or the coaches would have liked.

Gabbert needs to be given a fair opportunity to show that he can play well in the NFL and this may be the first season that he can officially show that.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

D'Anthony Smith Injury: Jaguars DT Knows Pressure Is On

D'Anthony Smith has been plagued by injuries the last two seasons. After being drafted in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Smith has not seen the field in the regular season at all due to injury. Entering what should be his third season in the NFL, Smith knows that his job could be in jeopardy if he is not able to produce this season.

D'Anthony Smith: "I'd be crazy not to think it's last call. 3 strikes and you're out. I was brought here 2 produce."

— Eugene Frenette (@GeneFrenette) May 22, 2012

For what its worth, Smith appears to be practicing well during Jacksonville's OTAs. He has said that his achilles is feeling good as well as his toe.

DT Smith says his Achilles and toe feels so good that "everything feels like it was worth the year off."

— Eugene Frenette (@GeneFrenette) May 22, 2012

Smith hopes that he can help Jacksonville strengthen their defense during the 2012 season.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars and D'Anthony Smith, visit Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

Rashean Mathis Injury: Jaguars CB Ahead Of Schedule

Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Rashean Mathis tore his ACL in the ninth game of the season last year, ending his season early. Mathis was re-signed by the Jaguars this past offseason on a one-year deal and appears to be on the fast track to recovering from his injury. According to multiple reporters at the Jaguars OTA practices, he hopes to be ready by the team's mandatory mini-camp in mid-June.

"I've never had an ACL injury before, but the guys around me who have had it say that I am way ahead of schedule," Mathis told reporters today after practice. "They're surprised what I am doing at this time."

"If I come back like I expect to come back, then I expect to play," Mathis said. "That's never a doubt in my mind."

If Mathis can get back to practice for mini-camp, this would be a great step forward for the Jaguars defense, as it can begin the process of allowing the defensive backfield to start to take shape. Mathis will be competing with free agent Aaron Ross for the starting cornerback position opposite Derek Cox, with the loser sliding inside to nickel.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars and Rashean Mathis, visit Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

SI's Don Banks: Blaine Gabbert Will Lose Starting Gig By Week Three Of The Preseason

Though the Jacksonville Jaguars have yet to begin training camp, the quarterback controversy has already begun. Sports Illustrated's Don Banks wrote today that former Miami Dolphins signal caller Chad Henne will take over for the Jaguars under center by week three of the preseason -- as part of his "7 strong hunches for the 2012 season." That would leave projected starter Blaine Gabbert, the team's 10th overall selection from the 2011 NFL draft, holding a clipboard.

Remember when the Jaguars were trying to decide how much they wanted to go after Tim Tebow in trade earlier this offseason, a competition they ultimately lost to the New York Jets? There were those inside the Jacksonville organization who were ambivalent about the move, believing that even with Tebow on board, Henne, the ex-Dolphins starter, would beat out both players by late August. Let's just say that sentiment hasn't changed with Henne now competing only against Gabbert.

Jacksonville head coach Mike Mularkey has, however, insisted throughout OTAs that there is no quarterback competition. Moreover, CBS Sports' football writer Pete Prisco responded via Twitter that he hasn't "heard that from anybody inside that building."

Stay tuned.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

Jaguars Offseason: Maurice Jones-Drew Looking For An Extension

The Jacksonville Jaguars began voluntary workouts this week, but running back Maurice Jones-Drew and kicker Josh Scobee were not present at Tuesday's OTAs, raising a few questions. For Scobee, he has yet to sign his franchise tender, and thus, can't participate. But the talk around Jones-Drew has been that he is hoping for a contract extension. Jacksonville coach Mike Mularkey confirmed as much earlier today, per Jaguars beat writer Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union:

"He's talked about trying to get an extension for his contract."

For now, though, Mularkey sounded OK with Jones-Drew's absence.

"It's all voluntary. I wish he was here. He knows we wish he was here."

Last season, the 5-foot-7 running back led the NFL in rushing yards with with 1,606 yards on the ground and eight touchdowns on 343 carries -- nearly five yards an attempt.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

Paul Posluszny Injury: Jaguars LB Back With Starters

Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Paul Posluszny is back with the starting defense at OTAs according to a tweet from Tania Ganguli, the Jaguars beat writer for the Florida Times-Union.

Paul Posluzny was back in with the starters after January shoulder surgery. #Jaguars

— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) May 15, 2012

The linebacker had surgery to repair a partially torn labrum in his left shoulder back in January. Last year he signed a six-year $45 million after spending the first four years of his career with the Buffalo Bills.

Last season in Jacksonville, Posluszny played in all 16 games, recording 119 total tackles with two sacks and a forced fumble. He also intercepted two passes and deflected nine more. Him coming back at full strength will be a good thing for a Jaguars team looking to improve their defense from last season.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

Jaguars Head Coach Mike Mularkey Says There's Not A QB Competition

There was much made from the Jacksonville Jaguars signing veteran quarterback Chad Henne in the offseason, in terms of potentially challenging second-year quarterback Blaine Gabbert for his starting job. Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Mike Mularkey says there's not a competition for the starting job, however.

"No, it's not (a competition). Blaine's our starting quarterback," Mularkey told NFL Network's Albert Breer over the phone. "We feel good about him."

Mularkey also went into detail a little bit about what they're working on with Gabbert to make him a better player than he was in his rookie season. In essence, Mularkey says that the Jaguars are deconstructing Gabbert and teaching his fundamentals over again.

"I've seen improvement over the short time I've been with him, and (in the spring) you get coaching and teaching in a less stressful environment," Mularkey said. "We're working on some of the fundamentals in his drops now. Not saying that he was taught it wrong, but every coach has their beliefs. None of them are wrong, but we need to be on the same page on some of those things, and we already started working on that in April. Primarily, it's his drops and balance in the pocket."

While Mularkey says he's not saying Gabbert was taught wrong, he's essentially saying he was taught wrong as nicely as possible. It's also worth noting that drops and balance was something that Jaguars offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski worked on with now Oakland Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer when he was a rookie with the Cincinnati Bengals.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

Maurice Jones-Drew Skips Voluntary Workouts

The Jacksonville Jaguars will hit the field again on Tuesday for another set of voluntary workouts. The team will be without kicker Josh Scobee, who has refused to sign his franchise tag, but the team will also be without their biggest offensive weapon.

Running back Maurice Jones-Drew skipped the first set of voluntary workouts, with rumblings that he's looking for a new contract after leading the NFL in rushing in 2011, and he's not expected on Tuesday when the team gets back out on the field. Currently, Jones-Drew is preparing for the season down in Miami, as he does every year.

Jones-Drew is expected to report to EverBank field when the workouts become mandatory, with or without a new contract to go with his impressive season last year. With the worst passing offense in the league, Jones-Drew led the NFL in rushing with just over 1,600 rushing yards.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

Jaguars Sign Bandon Coutu, Josh Scobee Still Absent From OTAs

The Jacksonville Jaguars are looking to sure up their special teams situation because of kicker Josh Scobee wanting a new contract. According to a tweet by Associated Press Jaguars reporter Mark Long, the Jaguars are planning to sign former Georgia kicker Brandon Coutu ahead of the team's OTAs.

Jaguars are planning to sign former Georgia PK Brandon Coutu for OTAs, so no contract for Josh Scobee

— Mark Long (@APMarkLong) May 14, 2012

Scobee is still absent from the OTAs. The kicker was drafted in the fourth round by the Jaguars in the 2004 NFL Draft

Coutu has only played in the NFL in two non-consecutive seasons. One year for the Seattle Seahawks in 2008 and one year for the Buffalo Bills in 2011, where he played in week 17 against the New England Patriots. He also played for the UFL's Las Vegas Locomotives in 2011.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

Matt Roth Visits Steelers

The Jacksonville Jaguars signed defensive end Matt Roth to a one-year deal late in free agency last season. Roth wound up quickly working his way into the starting lineup and opening up the season as the Jaguars starting defensive end on the left side of the line. Roth played well, starting the first nine games of the season, but it was cut short after suffering a concussion against the Cleveland Browns landing him on injured reserve a few weeks later.

Roth made a visit to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday however, as the Jaguars don't appear interested in bringing him back.

Steelers keeping busy today. Also hosting a visit with former Jaguars, Dolphns and Browns LB Matt Roth.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 9, 2012

Roth finished the season for the Jaguars with 3.5 sacks in nine games and has experience playing both as a down end in a 4-3 and as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, which is likely where he would play for the Steelers.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

Jaguars Sign Jordan Palmer, Six Others And Release Six Players

The Jacksonville Jaguars completed their rookie mini-camp over the weekend, which included a handful of try out rookies and veterans. The Jaguars decided to keep seven players from the weekend, including former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jordan Palmer.

The Jaguars also signed six other players to their 90-man roster from the weekend, including three veterans.

FB Naufahu Tahi, DT Odrick Ray, WR Mike Brown, WR Chris Forcier, LB Donovan Richard and DB Jeremiah Brown.

Tahi is a fifth-year veteran most recently having played for the Minnesota Vikings while Odrick Ray spent last preseason with the Jaguars as a defensive end.

To make room for the players the Jaguars signed, they have released the following six players:

QB Dan LeFevour, WR Jarett Dillard, S Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, WR Nelson Rosario, WR Jarrett Boykin and DE Frank Trotter.

LeFebour and Owusu-Ansah were on the Jaguars active roster for part of the season and Rosario and Boykin were both signed as undrafted free agents.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

Jaguars Release Jarett Dillard

The Jacksonville Jaguars made a bit of a surprising move on Monday, releasing wide receiver Jarett Dillard the team announced. Dillard was originally a fourth round pick by the Jaguars in the 2009 NFL Draft, but struggled to ever really make an impact outside of OTA's and training camp.

Dillard wowed most with his soft hands and leaping ability, but could never stay healthy enough to play a full season. Dillard injured his foot his rookie season and then injured it again the next offseason, missing the entire 2010 NFL season.

The Jaguars signed a handful of rookie wide receivers after also picking up Lee Evans and Laurent Robinson in free agency, not to mention trading up for Justin Blackmon in the NFL Draft. Dillard's salary increased this offseason due to an escalator in his deal, so it was unlikely he was going to make the roster anyway.

For more news and analysis on the Jacksonville Jaguars, head on over to Big Cat Country.

Former Jaguars QB Mark Brunell Retires. Maybe.

Blaine Gabbert And Toughness, Or Buzzwords

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert has had his toughness questioned, but that's not the right thing to be knocking him for.

Taylor Price Injury: Jaguars WR Out For Offseason With Stress Fracture

The Jacksonville Jaguars announced today that wide receiver Taylor Price will miss the remainder of the Jaguars offseason after suffering a stress fracture in his foot on Wednesday morning.

Jaguars WR Taylor Price sustained a stress fracture in his left foot Wed a.m. Mike Mularkey said he likely will miss rest of off-season.

— John Oehser (@JohnOehser) April 18, 2012

Price was originally drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft and played just four games for the Patriots in two seasons, catching a total of three catches. Price was claimed by the Jaguars during the 2011 season, playing just two games and catching two passes.

Price was a bubble player going into the offseason, so suffering a foot injury as a wide receiver and missing the entire offseason certainly won't help him.

For more news and analysis on the Jacksonville Jaguars, head on over to Big Cat Country. Still craving football in the off-season? Make sure to stop by the SB Nation NFL Hub Page for all the latest news from all 32 teams leading up to the NFL Draft, training camp, and beyond.

Jaguars Aaron Ross Allowed To Miss Training Camp To Watch Wife In Olympics

Newly signed Jacksonville Jaguars defensive back Aaron Ross has been permitted by the team to miss a portion of training camp to watch his wife run in London, England. Ross' wife, Sanya Richards-Ross, is a gold medal winning Olympic relay runner and will be trying to win her first individual medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Jaguars have given CB Aaron Ross permission to miss part of trng camp to see wife, Sanya Richards, compete in Olympics for U.S. team

— Mark Long (@APMarkLong) April 18, 2012

Before signing with the Jaguars, Ross asked Jaguars general manager Gene Smith and head coach Mike Mularkey about the possibility about attending the London games to watch his wife compete. "...Speaks volumes about what they're trying to preach here," Ross told the Associated Press.

For more news and analysis on the Jacksonville Jaguars, head on over to Big Cat Country. Still craving football in the off-season? Make sure to stop by the SB Nation NFL Hub Page for all the latest news from all 32 teams leading up to the NFL Draft, training camp, and beyond.

Blaine Gabbert Cuts His Hair

Jaguars Mini-Camp: Josh Scobee, Maurice Jones-Drew Not Attending

The Jacksonville Jaguars are opening up a veteran orientation camp on Tuesday, but they will be without two of their best players. Josh Scobee will not be present because he has yet to sign his franchise tender, meaning that he is not allowed to attend the workout. Meanwhile Maurice Jones-Drew is in California, and it is possible that he is holding out to try and get a new contract. Our Jaguars blog Big Cat Country speculated that this might occur a few weeks ago.

Luckily for the players, these workouts are still considered voluntary and according to Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union, they can not be punished for not attending.

Missing a voluntary workout or practice is not considered a holdout and teams are not allowed to punish players for missing them. Some players skip voluntary workouts to make statements about their contracts, but Jones-Drew’s contract does not expire for two more seasons.

For more news and analysis on the Jacksonville Jaguars, head on over to Big Cat Country. Still craving football in the off-season? Make sure to stop by the SB Nation NFL Hub Pagefor all the latest news from all 32 teams leading up to the NFL Draft, training camp, and beyond.

Jaguars Mini-Camp: Rashean Mathis And 5 Other Players Will Miss Veteran Camp

The Jacksonville Jaguars will begin veteran camp on Tuesday, but a handful of players won't be able to practice as they're still recovering from season ending injuries.