The Jacksonville Jaguars announced Urban Meyer as their next head coach on Thursday as the franchise looks to finally get the coaching hire right. Meyer did nothing but win in college, a career 187-32 record, last coaching at Ohio State in 2018, and retiring following the season due to health issues.

While I (and many others) are skeptical if Meyer can translate his success to the NFL, he’s going to get a chance to build the roster around his (presumed) new franchise QB Trevor Lawrence along with 10 draft picks (two firsts and two seconds), and a ton of cap space.

How did Meyer get to this point? Let’s look at Meyer’s rise through college football.

Bowling Green (2001-2002)

Meyer got his head coaching start at Bowling Green all the way back in 2001 after stints at Illinois State, Colorado State, and Notre Dame in assistant roles. The Falcons program really struggled the year prior to Meyer arriving, finishing at 2-9. 

Meyer’s spread scheme flipped the program around, finishing 8-3 in his first season, the biggest turnaround in Division I that year. The rookie HC won Mid-American Conference coach of the year in 2001, and followed that up with a 9-3 season in 2002. 

Utah (2003-2004)

The Utes were quick to poach Meyer from BGSU after his successful two-year run. This is where Meyer jumped into the elite tier of coaches. In his first season in Salt Lake, Meyer went 10-2 and won the Mountain West title, the Utes’ first outright conference title since 1957, and another conference coach of the year honor.

If that wasn’t impressive enough, with the help of future No.1 pick Alex Smith, Meyer led the Utes to an undefeated 12-0 season, claiming a BCS bid in the Fiesta bowl, and crushing Pitt 35-7. The Utes were the first non-BCS team to claim a BCS Bid since its formation in 1998. 

Meyer’s coaching stock was soaring through the roof. He was on to his next challenge after accepting the job at Florida in December of 2004.

Florida (2005-2010)

This is where things really take off for Meyer, he was going to have a real shot at a national championship, and he cashed in. 

After a 9-3 2005 season, Meyer reached the peak of the College football world in 2006, winning his first national championship over No. 1 Ohio State 41-14. 

Meyer’s Florida teams were some of the most talented to ever grace the college football world. His second title team in 2008, which capped off Meyer’s second 13-1 season in Gainesville and the BCS Championship win over Oklahoma, had Tebow, the Pouncey twins, Percy Harvin, Aaron Hernandez, Riley Cooper, Joe Haden, Janoris Jenkins, Carlos Dunlap, and some guy named Cam Newton as the third-string QB.

A loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship a year later in 2009 prevented Meyer and Tebow from bringing home their third BCS Championship in four years. The Gators blew out Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl to cap a 13-1 season while Alabama won their first BCS championship under Nick Saban.  

This is where the health problems started popping up for Meyer. He was rushed to the hospital citing chest pains in December, but stayed on as Gators coach for one more season.

After a 7-5 2010 season, Meyer resigned from Florida.

Ohio State (2012-2018)

After spending a year at ESPN, Meyer took the Ohio State job following the 2011 season. Meyer went 12-0 in his first season, but was ineligible for the postseason due to NCAA sanctions.

Following a 12-2 2013 season and a loss in the Orange Bowl, Meyer won another national championship in 2014 in the first year of the College Football Playoff, rebounding from an early-season loss to unranked Virginia Tech with a team featuring Zeke Elliott, Michael Thomas, Joey Bosa, and Cardale Jones.

Most of that core returned for the 2015 season, but offensive inconsistency and a late-season loss to Michigan State knocked Ohio State out of the playoff picture. They would have to settle for a Fiesta Bowl win over Notre Dame.

Meyer and the Buckeyes returned to the CFP in 2016 at 11-1 despite not even winning their own division or the Big Ten, and were subsequently smacked by Deshaun Watson and Clemson 31-0.

That’s as close as Meyer would get to another national championship. Meyer capped his career with two more 12+ win seasons, winning a Cotton Bowl and a Rose Bowl. Citing more health concerns, Meyer retired again following the 2018 season.

…..Now Meyer’s NFL journey begins.

Writer

-By: TJ Mathewson

The Jacksonville Jaguars have done it! No, they have not won the super bowl (yet.) What the Jaguars have done is won the biggest prize of draft season, the #1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. It seemed impossible. It seemed like the Jaguars would have to settle for the 2nd pick behind the New York Jets. But through sheer will and effort, along with a bit of luck, they were able to finish the season in dead last

The Jaguars have a golden opportunity. Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence is there for the taking for Jacksonville. The Jaguars will finally have a chance at a franchise quarterback for the first time in years. It’s not just about the 1st overall pick though. Drafts are won and lost with the mid-round picks. While there is some talent on the roster, a lot of work needs to be done on this current Jaguars team in order to become a future contender. https://thedraftnetwork.com/mockDraft/TUaeytz2PN 

Round 1:

1st Overall: Trevor Lawrence, QB Clemson

There was a process to this pick. Every quarterback available was given heavy research in order to take the best prospect. In the end, the Jaguars take Clemson standout, Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence has a ton of upside and has the traits and tools of a future MVP candidate. Trevor Lawrence has the opportunity to turn Jacksonville into a future championship contender. 

Trade: The Jaguars send #21 (1st round pick) to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for #32 (1st round pick), #95 (3rd round pick), and #203 (6th round pick)

I wanted to trade back here and gain more assets, and the Chiefs were happy to play ball. They get an alpha wide receiver to pair with Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce, while we stay in the first and gain some valuable mid-round picks. It works out for both teams.

Trade: The Jaguars send #32 (1st round pick) to Philadelphia in exchange for #146 (5th round pick), #227 (7th round pick), and a 2022 1st round pick.

I did not plan on trading back, but I simply couldn’t refuse this offer from the Philadelphia Eagles. We don’t get much this year, but that first-round pick next year is one to watch out for. The Eagles could be one of the worst teams in football next year and that pick could become very valuable. Philadelphia better hope Chris Olave is the missing piece of the offense for that price.

Round 2:

33rd Overall: Samuel Cosmi, OT Texas

We took our quarterback of the future with our first pick, let’s take someone to protect him with our next. Samuel Cosmi has tremendous potential at offensive tackle. He’s big at 6’7 300 and can move really well. He has all the upside of a potential long term solution at left tackle. We cannot let what happened to Joe Burrow happen to Trevor Lawrence, we must protect our guy. 

45th Overall: Pat Freiermuth, TE Penn State

Frankly, this is a run to the podium pick. Freiermuth was in heavy consideration for our selection at 33 earlier in the round, and we are delighted to snag the big man from Happy Valley here at 45. Freiermuth is so polished that he should have no problems contributing day one for the Jaguars. He’s a very good receiver with sticky hands. He plays big and should be a consistent target for our new quarterback.

Round 3:

65th Overall: Jayson Oweh, EDGE Penn State

What a downfall it has been over the past few years. Once dubbed “Sacksonville” for the defense’s ability to get to opposing quarterbacks, the Jaguars are now one of the 3 worst teams in the entire NFL at sacking the quarterback. We most certainly will not be giving up on last year’s first-round pick K’Lavon Chaisson, but we will look to add another high upside pass rusher in Penn State’s Jayson Oweh here in the 3rd. While not a finished product yet, Oweh has a ton of upside due to his tremendous athleticism.

95th Overall: Christian Barmore, IDL Alabama

I did not love the value at most of the other positions, so let’s continue to build our defensive line by taking another high upside prospect in Christian Barmore. Barmore is only scratching the surface of his potential. He’s been great down the stretch for Alabama this season, and could be a standout defensive tackle to pair alongside Chaisson and Oweh. Let’s bring a dominant defensive front back to Jacksonville.

Round 4:

#102nd overall: Elijah Moore, WR Ole Miss

The Jaguars potentially will be shaking up their wide receiver position this upcoming offseason, with guys such as Keelan Cole and Chris Conley due money this offseason. Instead of giving money to both of those guys, let’s bring in a dynamic speedster in Elijah Moore. Moore is 2nd in receiving yards this season behind Devonta Smith and will add speed to this offense.

#122nd Overall: Kenneth Gainwell, RB Memphis

The Jaguars found an undrafted steal last year at running back in James Robinson, lets add a complementary back to help him. Gainwell has shown that he can be a good receiver, and can be another versatile piece in our offense.

Round 5:

141st Overall: Divine Deablo, Safety Virginia Tech

A possible late-round gem in a position of need. Deablo has been one of the best defenders for the Hokies over the past few years, and turned into a real playmaker this season. He had four interceptions. He could possibly be a real player for the Jaguars in an eventual rotational role.

146th Overall: Kenny Yeboah, TE Ole Miss

Double dipping on tight ends! Yeboah was the player that intrigued me most left on the board, and could be an interesting addition to the team. He’s a tight end that operates more like a big receiver. I always love to have a guy like that on the team. He has great hands and could be another threat in the red zone.

162nd Overall: Amari Rodgers, WR Clemson

Let’s reunite Trevor Lawrence with one of his best targets from this past season. Rodgers is a nice weapon out of the slot. He is a great threat with the ball in his hands, and can be used in the screen game, as well as on jet sweeps. A guy like him always has the attention of the defense.

Round 6:

203rd Overall: Tarron Jackson, EDGE Coastal Carolina

Tarron Jackson has a great base foundation, it just might be a while until the house is finished being built. He has produced over the past 2 years. He has good NFL size and strength. There might not be that much flexibility in him, but there sure is power. If we can coach him up, get his technique more consistent, I think Tarron Jackson could be a late-round player that sticks on this team.

Round 7:

222nd Overall: Josh Jobe, DB Alabama

There’s a lot of reasons to like Josh Jobe. He has extensive experience on special teams, and having late round guys that can contribute on special teams is important. You don’t realize how important special teams is until your team is bad at it. He is a physical corner who could possibly over time convert into a solid rotational safety for us. He is a willing tackler and a guy we’d love to have on this team.

227th Overall: Dorian Thompson-Robinson, QB UCLA

QUARTERBACK CONTROVERSY IN JACKSONVILLE?! All jokes aside, Dorian Thompson-Robinson is an interesting enough prospect to take a shot on. He has great athleticism at the quarterback position. Thompson-Robinson has a solid arm and shows flashes of good accuracy. He has the potential to be a solid backup.

246th Overall: Jacoby Stevens, DB LSU

There’s a lot to like about getting Stevens this late. He is an experienced player who achieved a lot at LSU. He is very versatile, lining up in multiple spots for the Tigers defense. He’s an intriguing option and certainly worth our last pick.

Writer

-By: Jacob Keppen

On Thursday night, the Miami Dolphins traveled to Jacksonville to take on Gardner Minshew and the Jacksonville Jaguars in an AFC battle. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick got the best of QB Gardner Minshew as the Miami Dolphins notched their first win of the season by a convincing score of 31-13. Let us analyze how the game played out and the key areas to Miami’s victory and Jacksonville’s defeat.

Game Recap

From the first snap on, the Miami Dolphins were in control and Jacksonville never put up a fight. Miami went wire-to-wire, bursting out to a 14-0 lead after the first quarter, credit to a receiving touchdown by Preston Williams, which was followed by a Jordan Howard one-yard plunge into the red zone. Jacksonville could not get much going on the offensive side of the ball. Minshew and crew had the ball for only 25 minutes and were 3-10 on third down. CB Xavien Howard sealed the deal with an interception late in the fourth quarter, even though a comeback was unlikely.

Miami’s Efficient Offense

After only putting up 11 points in Week 1, the Miami Dolphin offense played well in Week 2, and followed up that performance by dropping 31 points in Week 3. Led by veteran QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, Miami was able to get two scores in the air. As stated earlier, Preston Williams got the air raid going with a three-yard touchdown catch. Mike Gesicki also found the endzone for a 15-yard touchdown, his only catch of the game. WR Devante Parker led the way with five catches, as Fitzpatrick threw for 160 yards and no interceptions, along with the two touchdowns. 

A big part of their success moving the ball was their efficiency on the ground. Miami, who could not find a running game at all in 2019, rushed for a solid 138 yards. Myles Gaskin, their clear lead back now, totaled 66 yards on the ground. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick added 38 yards and a touchdown also. In depleted role’s, RB’s Matt Breida and Jordan Howard contributed six carries for five yards and a goal-line touchdown by Jordan Howard.

Jacksonville’s Offense Struggles

After back-to-back weeks of playing well offensively, the Jaguars offense came crashing back to earth in Week 3. QB Gardner Minshew did not throw a touchdown and turned the ball over twice (1 INT, 1 fumble) in the defeat. Without WR D.J. Chark, the Jacksonville receivers failed to make any big plays. Their longest play of the day was their first play from scrimmage, a 24-yard reception by RB James Robinson. Robinson also led the way in catches and yards out of the backfield. No Jaguar receiver totaled over 50 yards in the game.

Even in the loss, the Jacksonville Jaguars are extremely excited about RB James Robinson. Robinson, an undrafted rookie, has become the focal point for Jacksonville’s offense. On the day, Robinson totaled 129 yards (46 rushing, 83 receiving) and found the endzone twice, both on the ground. On the season, Robinson has totaled 339 yards in three games while also scoring three touchdowns. As the season goes on, expect the Jaguars to give him more opportunities to make plays and be a playmaker in a crafty Jacksonville offensive system led by OC Jay Gruden.

Looking Ahead

Because of the Thursday night game, both teams will have the chance to get healthy with ten days before their next game. Miami (1-2) will look to make it two in a row, but will have to face Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks, who are 2-0 to start the season. As for Jacksonville (1-2), they draw an easier matchup, traveling to Cincinnati to take on the Joe Burrow and the Bengals (0-2) looking to get back on the winning track.

Stats and game info from profootballreference.com

Writer

-By: Richie Dordas