OTAs, return of The Poz, who wants a new contract: The off season continues

The Jaguars started off season organized team activities today. Most of the 90 man roster was there except for two key players. This batch of OTAs saw the return of  line backer Paul Posluzny to who worked with the first team defense today. Poz who was coming off a shoulder injury which he received during the last game of the season and had to undergo surgery has recovered nicely and has picked up where he left off in the season continues to be a wise free agent acquisition by the Jaguars. He led the team in combined tackles with 119 and had 69 solo tackles coming in third to Darryl Smith and Dawan Landry. Other injured Jags were also in attendance at OTAs who did not take part in on field activities but did work on the sidelines. These included Aaron Kampman, Rasheen Mathis, John Chick, Ashton Youboty, and Tyson Alualu. All are making progress in their recovery and the hope is to have those players back in time for camp in June. Jaguars first round pick (5th overall) Justin Blackmon took part in his first OTA today. Per John Osher of www.jaguars.com Blackmon worked with the first team in the Z position and also played some slot. Blackmon had the opportunity to comment on Blaine Gabbert and said the following:

"I thought he looked good ." "Threw the ball well. Just all around, the offense looked pretty good for the first day being out there together." 

On the defensive side of the ball Jaguars starting defensive end Jeremy Mincey likes what he see's in second round pick Andre Branch. Mincey is also glad to hear that Potroast's recovery is ahead of schedule. 'Roast is a key part of the Rushmen and will be welcomed back once he is medically cleared. Aaron Kampman is another story. Coach Mularkey says he is unsure if Kampman will be ready to go by the time camp starts. I can easily see Branch getting that starting position with Kampman if he is retained in a limited backup role.

Then there's the two guys who were not at OTAs today. Josh Scobee was not there. The Jaguars signed Brandon Coutu to the 90 man roster to fill in while negotiations with the teams franchise player. The other player not there was the NFL's 2012 rushing champion Maurice Jones-Drew. Coach Mularkey confirmed to the media today that MJD does indeed want contract extension and honestly I can't blame him. After rushing for over 1600 yards this past season MJD went from the 8th highest paid running back to the 11th after other running backs inclduing Arian Foster and Marshawn Lynch received new contracts. Jones-Drew has proven himself in the past six seasons as a key piece of the Jaguars offense. Mularkey said the team wishes he was here to take part but his goal is to focus on the football side of things. In my opinion (I'm allowed to give it because this just a blog) MJD deserves to be in the top five highest paid running backs. He delivers when the ball is in his hands wither its rushing or receiving. Contract negotiations are handled by Gene Smith and his staff including General Counsel Shasi Brown.