Jacksonville Jaguars 2011 NFL Draft Review

General Manager Gene Smith saw the opportunity to draft the top player on the Jaguars’ draft board after Blaine Gabbert started to slide past the quarterback-hungry top one-third of the draft. They didn’t hesitate to move from pick 16 up to the Redskins’ selection at 10. To move six spots it cost Jacksonville their second pick in the 2011 Draft, a small price to pay for a potential franchise quarterback. Smith liked Gabbert’s mobility and the pressure he puts on opposing defenses. Guard William Rackley was a 3rd round pick and will compete for playing time as will safety Chris Prosinski. Receiver Cecil Shorts and corner Rod Issac are developmental players. Blaine Gabbert is the heir apparent to David Garrard and will be given time to develop behind him. The big right-handed passer is consistent and accurate in his play. He has sudden read and react quickness and a snappy release. He can speed up his delivery under the pressure of a rush while keeping his accuracy. Athletic and mobile enough to extend the play, he is a rhythm and timing passer. He has good anticipation and ball placement to receivers on the run. William Rackley impressed the Jaguars with his strong work ethic and the raw skills to play on Sunday. He was a four-year starter at left tackle. He has a thick lower body, light feet, big hands, and decent arm length for the position. An effective knee bender, he can redirect and shift his weight quickly. He stays square with the ability to shadow the defender in pass protection. Cecil Shorts started his career at Mt. Union College as a quarterback then moved to wide receiver in 2008. His productive career at the Division III school was as dominant as his skill set. In 2008 he caught 77 passes for 1484 yards and 23 touchdowns. He followed up in 2009 with 100 receptions for 1776 yards and 19 touchdowns. As a senior he missed three games yet caught 70 passes for 1196 yards and 18 touchdowns. Shorts was a 3-time All-America selection and finished his career with 259 total receptions for 4705 yards and 63 touchdowns, with the receiving yardage total being the 3rd highest in NCAA Division III history. Mt. Union is the same school where the Colts’ Pierre Garcon played. Shorts, like Garcon, will need to learn all the nuances of the fast moving NFL game. He will need to learn how to change his speeds and run routes. A raw talent who has good body control and football intelligence, he is a possession receiver with outstanding hands. Chris Prosinski started 37 games for Wyoming and recorded 373 tackles, 5 interceptions, and broke up 21 passes. He is an ascending player who demonstrates good over the top range as a free safety in coverage, but can play sideline to sideline in the run game. The Jaguars liked his hitting ability, explosiveness, and athletic ability. He will be counted on to contribute immediately on special teams coverage. His pro day workout numbers on 3/3/11 were 6011, 201, 4.42/40, 1.56/10, 14/BP, 39.5/ VJ, 11-2/BJ, 4.28/SS, 6.85/3 cone. Rod Issac started 37 games at left corner for the Blue Raiders and recorded 189 tackles, 5 interceptions, and 18 passes broken up in his career. He won’t turn down contact. Physical as a run support player and a press corner, he looks to be an ascending player with good workout numbers – 5106, 196, 4.45/40, 1.56/10, 22/BP, 33.5/VJ, 9-7/BJ, 4.12/ SS, 6.90/3 cone. He will compete as a nickel corner and a core special teams player. GRADE: AVERAGE.

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