Latest news with #TonyBoselli
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Where are Jacksonville Jaguars ranked in ESPN's Football Power Index?
Where did the Jacksonville Jaguars land in ESPN's preseason Football Power Index (FPI) rankings? But first, what is FPI? Using analytics, FPI "is a measure of team strength that is meant to be the best predictor of a team's performance going forward for the rest of the season," and results are based on "10,000 simulations." Advertisement For the Jaguars, they come in at No. 22 in these FPI rankings at minus-1.9 points, meaning that against an average NFL team, the Jaguars would lose by 1.9 points based on the thousands of simulations. As we've discussed before, it feels like this Jaguars team is on the right path following the organizational reshaping that took place this offseason. Tony Boselli, James Gladstone, and Liam Coen have established a clear vision for where they want this team to go. The obvious emphasis this offseason has been on ensuring that Trevor Lawrence has the help he needs around him so that he doesn't have to be Superman on every play. This started with the hiring of Coen, who brings a Sean McVay-like offensive scheme to Jacksonville, and one that has helped produce a number of productive quarterbacks around the NFL. Advertisement Gladstone would also make six additions to an offensive line unit where improved play is needed, and he also added a lot of speed to the offense by bringing in Bhayshul Tuten, Dyami Brown, and Travis Hunter. On defense, Anthony Campanile brings a flexible defensive scheme that will be quick to adjust based on what the opponent is doing and mold the system to the skill sets he has to work with on the roster. While all of that may be true, we still haven't seen this team on the football field yet. So, although the Jaguars very much look like a team ready to make some strides, how big those strides are or how quickly they happen still remains to be seen. This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: ESPN's Football Power Index rankings: Where do the Jaguars land?
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Where are Jacksonville Jaguars ranked in ESPN's Football Power Index?
Where are Jacksonville Jaguars ranked in ESPN's Football Power Index? Where did the Jacksonville Jaguars land in ESPN's preseason Football Power Index rankings? Where did the Jacksonville Jaguars land in ESPN's preseason Football Power Index (FPI) rankings? But first, what is FPI? Using analytics, FPI "is a measure of team strength that is meant to be the best predictor of a team's performance going forward for the rest of the season," and results are based on "10,000 simulations." For the Jaguars, they come in at No. 22 in these FPI rankings at minus-1.9 points, meaning that against an average NFL team, the Jaguars would lose by 1.9 points based on the thousands of simulations. As we've discussed before, it feels like this Jaguars team is on the right path following the organizational reshaping that took place this offseason. Tony Boselli, James Gladstone, and Liam Coen have established a clear vision for where they want this team to go. The obvious emphasis this offseason has been on ensuring that Trevor Lawrence has the help he needs around him so that he doesn't have to be Superman on every play. This started with the hiring of Coen, who brings a Sean McVay-like offensive scheme to Jacksonville, and one that has helped produce a number of productive quarterbacks around the NFL. Gladstone would also make six additions to an offensive line unit where improved play is needed, and he also added a lot of speed to the offense by bringing in Bhayshul Tuten, Dyami Brown, and Travis Hunter. On defense, Anthony Campanile brings a flexible defensive scheme that will be quick to adjust based on what the opponent is doing and mold the system to the skill sets he has to work with on the roster. While all of that may be true, we still haven't seen this team on the football field yet. So, although the Jaguars very much look like a team ready to make some strides, how big those strides are or how quickly they happen still remains to be seen.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
If Travis Hunter becomes two-way star, he must bond with Jaguars' Grant Udinski first
Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski has to use the most of his time with Travis Hunter. The two-way player has yet to get reps on the defensive side of the ball during practice open to media, but he's already in defensive meetings and in the classroom with his defensive coaches. Advertisement As other offensive players are solely focusing on learning one playbook, Hunter is diving into two — a challenge Udinski says the No. 2 overall pick is fully prepared to conquer. IS TRAVIS HUNTER EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS? Jaguars' Tony Boselli explains why 'He's the type of guy that because of that passion and the love of the game, who's up for the challenge and can do it,' the first-year coordinator said at the conclusion of the first organized team practice for Jacksonville. 'It's definitely different compared to the rest of the guys and his schedule. It's a unique skill set, unique person and a unique player.' Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter's love for football is apparent Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) talks to members of the media during a rookie minicamp at Miller Electric Center Saturday, May 10, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] The first thing Udinski said about working with Hunter is how much fun it is getting to know him. The Jaguars had minimal contact with their draft picks prior to the selecting them. Advertisement Whereas in some organizations large contingents are sent out to vet prospects, Jacksonville opted for a more lowkey approach to the draft process. They kept their desire to draft Hunter under wraps, with even Hunter admitting he didn't have a clue they were interested until the night before the draft took place. That means it's a feeling out process taking place as coaches and players get used to each other. But that process has been smooth because of Hunter's personality. "I'm sure you guys see it, him out here, the dancing at practice. The fun, the love of the game,' Udinski said. According to him, the same energy he shows on the grass he translates to meetings and in the classroom. Advertisement 'It makes our job a lot of fun to get out here on the grass with those guys,' he continued. 'Whether it's on the grass or in the meeting room, it's that same energy and passion for the game or passion for being around their teammates that they bring every day.' PUSHIN' IT: Jaguars among teams that opposed ban of 'Tush Push' per Adam Schefter Travis Hunter playing both ways will be unique challenge Hunter is doing something not many, if any, active NFL players are doing: Regularly attending meetings with offensive and defensive players. This means he has double the workload of an average player. It also means he gets half the time to spend with each position. Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) can't haul in a reception during the first organized team activity at Miller Electric Center Monday, May 19, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. It's a challenge Udinski is embracing, though. Advertisement 'You're definitely going for maximum efficiency,' he said. 'You're trying to optimize the time, so it's different. It's a unique challenge, but it's a fun challenge, it's an exciting challenge.' Hunter found success at every level he's competed at. In high school he was rated as the top player in his class as a two-way player. In college, he won the Heisman as the top rated player in college football as a two-way player. Now, he's hoping to achieve the same level of success in the NFL. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Travis Hunter mission right now: Master Jacksonville Jaguars offense
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hall of Famer Tony Boselli adds intrigue to Jacksonville Jaguars' draft process
After mostly average to highly suspect drafting the last 25 years, the Jacksonville Jaguars have added a unique wild card in this year's process that will hopefully provide a decision-making upgrade — Tony Boselli. Owner Shad Khan, who has too often been reluctant to shake up his leadership structure, finally tried something different on Feb. 3 when he appointed the Jaguars' Hall of Fame offensive tackle to Executive Vice-President of Football Operations, firing GM Trent Baalke midway through a coaching search. Advertisement For only the second time in franchise history, the first being when former NFL quarterback James 'Shack' Harris and ex-linebacker Jack Del Rio were named GM and head coach, respectively, in 2003, the Jaguars made somebody with actual playing experience in the league a significant part of the draft process. In 2012, during Mike Mularkey's lone season as head coach, the ex-NFL tight end primarily deferred to GM Gene Smith. What makes Boselli especially unique, beyond being a Hall of Famer, is he's been emotionally invested in the Jaguars almost his entire football career. Nobody who has ever occupied a front-office or coaching position in Jacksonville, including Tom Coughlin, comes into a position of power with more personal stakes than Boselli. The Jacksonville Jaguars introduce General Manager James Gladstone, left, Monday morning February 24, 2025 at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. He has a laugh with Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tony Boselli, right, after the press conference. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]2025 More: Jacksonville Jaguars must prioritize drafting WR reinforcement for Brian Thomas Jr. | Frenette Advertisement This EVP gig, though his impact on draft day remains an unknown X-factor, is as much his baby as for any non-player who has collected a Jaguars' paycheck. 'I don't think about it in those terms,' Boselli told the Times-Union about his influence on who the Jaguars end up drafting. 'I don't even know how to answer that.' Boselli's input will be valued One thing is certain: Khan didn't hire Boselli out of the Jaguars' radio booth to the same position he did Coughlin back in 2017 for him to be a draft figurehead. While Boselli concedes the final draft calls lie with Gladstone, the feeling about the Jaguars' leadership tripod strongly suggests this is a team willing to listen to each other and have their opinion changed on player evaluation and acquisition. Advertisement 'I was involved in hiring the coaching staff,' said Boselli. 'How much I helped or didn't help, I have no idea. I just want to help make us better. Our job is to win games. That's all I care about. Who gets the credit, I don't care. 'In the NFL, we get so caught up in who has the final say. It's clear in our organization that James makes the decision on who we draft, but we're all working together to make the right decision.' My belief is Boselli's presence not only matters on draft-day decisions, but should carry greater weight with Gladstone and Coen when evaluating offensive linemen and defensive linemen because the Hall of Famer played alongside and against those players. When Boselli is looking at game tape, and he's done a lot more of it on college prospects than any time in his life, he understands the nuances of players in the trenches in a far different way than Gladstone or Coen. Advertisement At this point, it's difficult to gauge the extent of Boselli's influence on the draft and the Jaguars' entire organization after less than three months on the job. But you can bet the input of No. 71, arguably the most popular player in franchise history with running back Fred Taylor, will be highly valued by Gladstone and Coen on matters big and small. Tony Boselli has earned a high place at the Jaguars' leadership table because of his remarkable playing career and being the team's longtime lead ambassador. Over the long haul, don't be surprised if the franchise's draft fortunes significantly improve because of it. If not Mason Graham at 5, then who? Had it not been for backup quarterback Mac Jones engineering back-to-back, fourth quarter scoring drives in a 10-6 December road win over the Tennessee Titans, the Jaguars would have finished 3-14 and been picking No. 1 in the first round of the April 24 NFL Draft. Advertisement Instead, Jacksonville finds itself in the No. 5 slot, where it's difficult to find a slam-dunk selection. Unless Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter or Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter falls three or four spots to the Jaguars, there is not a no-brainer choice. With Gladstone and Coen being purposely, and smartly, vague about their inclinations, the truth is the Jaguars have at least four different viable position options. The could go interior D-line, edge rusher, offensive tackle, and if you believe the speculation smoke, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham (6-foot-4, 306) might be the safest pick, though there remains debate from talent evaluators whether questions about his size should take precedent over his ability to make plays. Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham celebrates after sacking Minnesota quarterback Max Brosmer, in the background, during first-half action between Michigan and Minnesota at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. In NFL draft history, it's ironic the best No. 5 pick was cornerback Deion Sanders, who was Hunter's coach at Colorado. Advertisement On the longshot possibility that Hunter falls to No. 5, the Jaguars should make him a full-time cornerback and part-time receiver. For game-planning purposes, it'd be easier to utilize Hunter primarily as a defender than the other way around. But if the Jaguars select offensive tackles Will Campbell (LSU) or Armond Membou (Missouri) over Graham, which isn't out of the question, then you have to think Boselli had significant input. Jeanty would be boldest pick Is it possible the Jaguars would defy conventional wisdom and make Boise State's Ashton Jeanty the fourth top-5 pick running back in the last decade, which includes Jacksonville's Leonard Fournette at No. 4 in 2017? Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, US; Boise State Broncos running back (2) Ashton Jeanty tries to break past Penn State Nittany Lions safety Zakee Wheatley (6) during their Vrbo Fiesta Bowl matchup at State Farm Stadium. While many question the proper value of the RB position, the truth is the dozen backs taken in the top 25 since 2015 have either had a minimum two 1,000-yard seasons or been to multiple Pro Bowls. Advertisement The difference with Jeanty is he's the only back in that distinguished group who didn't play at a Power 4 school. He faced only four Power 4 opponents the past two seasons with mixed results, and questions remain how Jeanty might hold up as a pass-protector. That said, the Jaguars taking Jeanty can't be dismissed because Coen's one-year stint as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offensive coordinator shows how much he values a quality run game. One of the best ways to make Lawrence a better QB is to pour resources into an effective ground attack, as the Jaguars did with O-line additions in free agency. Jeanty (5-foot-9, 211 pounds) should have a solid NFL career, but is he worth a No. 5 pick? If so, he better be a lot closer to a Maurice Jones-Drew than Fournette. Look out if Titans hit HR with Ward At the moment, it's safe to say the Tennessee Titans' roster is the worst in the AFC South, but that can change quickly with one home run pick at the top. Advertisement If the Jaguars' long-time rivals hit it big by taking University of Miami quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 pick, that franchise's fortunes could turn in a dramatically positive way. Just look at what happened with the Houston Texans after they landed quarterback C.J. Stroud in 2023 with the No. 2 overall selection. All Houston has done is win back-to-back AFC South titles, albeit behind a shaky offensive line. So imagine how difficult the Texans might be to deal with if Houston drafts some quality bodyguards to better protect Stroud. The Titans taking Ward means the entire AFC South division would likely have starting quarterbacks in 2025 who were top-5 picks in the last four drafts. Advertisement It's time for the Jaguars' Trevor Lawrence to step up, with the help of Coen's astute offensive mind, and start winning that high-profile QB race. Forget mock drafts, mostly useless noise Let's be honest about who actually has draft expertise: it's not people, media or otherwise, who start poring over college prospects after the Super Bowl because the draft is the most popular NFL offseason event. Not only is draft speculation (at least after the top-10 picks) an inexact science, but all these mock drafts put out by armchair GMs or people not paid to study tape year-round is pretty much throwing darts blindfolded. Advertisement Just because somebody watches a prospect's game tape, that doesn't mean they understand how that player's game translates to the next level or fits scheme-wise with any NFL team. That's why most mock drafts are just white noise, better to be ignored than taken seriously. Even the most dialed-in draft speculators correctly project only 5 to 12 first-round picks. Drafting the right players is incredibly hard, especially after the first round. The only way the Jaguars or any team can have success is to do their best possible homework and hope they get lucky along the way. Jaguars must trust their draft board Sure, there might be some trepidation that Gladstone, Coen and Boselli have never been in these positions of power before, but they must trust their own judgment and that of the Jaguars' scouts when making any draft call. Advertisement Looking back at the five previous drafts where the Jaguars had a new GM, including four times corresponding with a new head coach, only 1995 under coach/GM Tom Coughlin delivered reasonably good value, largely because of Boselli's presence at the top. It's a safe bet Jacksonville Jaguars' head coach Liam Coen (L) and general manager James Gladstone (R) will highly value the input of Tony Boselli, hired on February 3 as the team's Executive Vice-President of Football Operations. GM James 'Shack' Harris taking QB Byron Leftwich at No. 7 in 2003 was a meh pick. Gene Smith's 2009 draft, leading off with tackle Eugene Monroe, was so-so at best, and none of the eight selections by Dave Caldwell in 2013 were much of a factor. The 2021 draft with GM Trent Baalke, where he picked Trevor Lawrence, Travis Etienne, Tyson Campbell, Walker Little and Andre Cisco over the first two days, remains mostly a work in progress. Advertisement Now another new Jaguars' regime hopes its initial draft class can help this struggling franchise produce a turnaround that leads to elusive sustained success. They can't worry about who others think they should draft. The Jaguars have to trust their own instincts from watching tape. Besides, everyone will know in two, three or four years whether this new leadership structure made the right call. gfrenette@ (904) 359-4540; Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @genefrenette This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Tony Boselli brings intrigue to Jacksonville Jaguars draft in 2025
USA Today
12-02-2025
- Business
- USA Today
3 Things Jaguars are looking for in next general manager
The Jacksonville Jaguars' search for their next general manager is underway. So what specifically are they looking for as they now fill this important role? Executive Vice President Tony Boselli was recently on 1010XL's 'The Drill' and went through what he and the rest of those involved in the search are looking for. In short, there are three boxes that the candidates have to check: – The character of the individual and understanding who they are. – What is their vision and philosophy of football? – And lastly, what's their process for establishing that vision and then executing on it? 'What I'm looking for first and foremost is the individual,' Boselli. 'From a character and integrity standpoint, what kind of ego does this individual has because just the way I'm wired, and probably because of the position I played, you got to be in it for each other, and it's not about you as an individual. 'I'm not looking for the smartest guy, and to let everyone know they're the smartest guy because how great they did when they pick good players, and if they don't, if it's not a good player, it's someone else's fault. And we're just not going to have that in this building.' ICYMI#Jaguars EVP and Hall of Famer Tony Boselli on what he wants from the future General Manager of the Jags Watch the full video⬇️ — 1010 XL / 92.5 FM (@1010XL) February 10, 2025 A part of this search committee said Boselli will be himself, owner Shad Khan, head coach Liam Coen, and team President Mark Lamping. 'For me, it's looking at the type of character and the individuals they are, and then what's their vision?' added Boselli. 'How do they how do they see building the team? What's their philosophy? And then the process, how do you get to that answer? How do you work in a collaborative method?' During Coen's introductory press conference, he would also mention when discussing the GM role the importance of communication and alignment from top to bottom so that all are on the same page when it comes to not only roster building but establishing a strong culture as well. At this time, there are eight reported candidates who will be interviewing for the general manager role. Josina Anderson would also report that the Jaguars' may have interest in a former GM candidate, although no formal interview or discussions have happened. Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports would report that this week the candidates are interviewing virtually and that the Jaguars hope to have the role filled sometime next week ahead of the NFL Combine.
