By JIMMIE TRAMEL Sports Writer on Apr 26, 2012, at 11:13 PM Updated on 4/26 at 11:17 PM
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The Jacksonville Jaguars were kind enough to email me quotes from coach Mike Mularkey and general manager Gene Smith about fifth overall pick Justin Blackmon, so the least I can do is cut and paste some of them to share them with readers.
--Questions and answers with Mularkey:
Because the Jaguars moved up to draft Blackmon, does that indicate the team viewed him as a special player?
“We were concerned a little bit whether he would make it to (the seventh pick, where the Jags were originally supposed to draft). I know (Jags executives) talked to each team daily for the last couple weeks just to see where peoples’ minds were and how they were going to proceed with their picks. I think all the way up to the fifth pick by Tampa there were conversations going on. Fortunately it fell into our hands the way we wanted it to.”
Shouldn’t the addition of Blackmon benefit second-year quarterback Blaine Gabbert?
“Blaine knew we’re trying to help him out. Based on what took place last year with the production on his part and the offense’s part, he knew we had to do something to try to help not just him but our offense and our team controlling the football like we like to do. So I know Blaine’s happy about it.... I heard he sent a message out to me in a roundabout way that it would sure be nice to get a guy like Blackmon in the draft. I have not talked to him but I’m sure he’s very happy.”
How does Blackmon fit in with the organization?
“Very good, very good. Gene and his staff do a great job on the background search. There is nothing that is ever not uncovered about a player going back forever on these guys, especially when you are looking at guys in the first round and at this number of a pick. He is exactly what our locker room looks for. He is exactly what we look for, players that extend themselves in the community and get involved with charities. He’s already doing that. I think he’ll walk in here and fit right in with us.”
What do you like about Blackmon?
“He’s got an edge to him. He’s one of these guys that doesn’t think he can be covered. That’s pretty important at that position, with that kind of confidence that you can line up and dare somebody to try to stop you and believe that you can’t be (stopped). I like that edge. He’s a physical receiver that, in our offense, he’s got to be able to block, and he has shown he will block. That will help his production as other receivers in our offense over the years have shown when they will block they are pretty productive. Hines Ward and Roddy White are good examples.”
Do you start Blackmon right away opposite Laurent Robinson or bring him along slowly?
“We’ll have that discussion. I really haven’t even got a chance to talk to the coaches about it. He’ll be in here tomorrow morning and we’ll talk about where we want to slot him in there (What does the acquisition of Blackmon and Laurent Robinson do for Blaine Gabbert?) “I think he’s recognizing that we’re trying to help not just him, but our whole offense and our football team. When the day is over with, he (Blackmon) is a guy who is going to help us in a lot of ways and I think he’s going to recognize that we are making that effort to improve in all areas.”
--Questions and answers with Smith:
What did former Jaguars receivers coach (and current OSU offensive coordinator) Todd Monken tell you about Blackmon?
“He’s been here as a coach and our coaches are a part of the draft process. They do evaluate players. They know what the expectations are. The guys have worked within the process clearly, and Todd was here and he’s got a good memory of how things are done (and) what we expect. And so getting an endorsement from him and answering our questions was a definite benefit to Justin and our organization.”
You’ve given up draft picks to move up two years in a row. Isn’t that hard to do?
“It’s hard and I’ll tell you when (the players you move up to draft are) starters it makes it easier, and clearly we’re trying to upgrade the talent on this football team. I think it’s an ascending football team that’s ready to take off and I know Justin will be a big part.”
Does Blackmon have the attributes to be a big-time playmaker?
“He does. He’s kind of between Anquan Boldin and Hakeem Nicks. I know he’s been compared to other players. I didn’t do Michael Irving coming out. I’ve heard that (comparison). But he’s a guy that’s a football player. Highly competitive, he attacks the ball, he’s strong going to the ball and with the ball in his hands. So this guy, 40 touchdowns and 250-plus catches, he’s making an impact in college and we hope certainly he transfers to the NFL in a big way.”
Would the St. Louis Rams have drafted Blackmon sixth if you hadn’t moved up?
“Well, nothing’s for certain but there was a good indication, yes. And I’m of the belief you put a lot of work into these players. If you have a guy that (evaluators have) a consensus on that can come in here and impact this football team and be a starter, bring scoring to our offense, without question for me this was an easy decision when we had an opportunity to go up and get him.”
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