Del Rio denies Sheppard reports

The Philadelphia Daily News, citing league sources, recently reported that the agent for Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard, was working on a deal that would send his client to Jacksonville.

I finally got in touch with the agent, Lamar Smith, who said he couldn't confirm or deny the report. No need. I spoke with Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio, who said Tuesday that the club has never even discussed the possibility of bringing in Sheppard, a Jacksonville native. In fact, Del Rio said he spoke with Philadelphia coach Andy Reid over the weekend during the NFL draft and "Lito's name wasn't mentioned."

According to the Philadelphia Daily News report, Smith is working on a plan in which the Jags would give the Eagles 2009 draft picks as compensation for Sheppard. Reid was asked after the draft Sunday if he expected Sheppard to remain an Eagle in '08.

"As I sit here right now, Lito is an Eagle," Reid told the Philadelphia Daily News. "That's how it is, just like every other guy on this football team."

Del Rio, meanwhile, viewed the report as nothing more than an agent posturing for a new deal for his client.

"We have not even discussed him in our building," Del Rio said.

Lito Sheppard a Jag?

The Philadelphia Daily News is reporting the agent for Jacksonville native Lito Sheppard is working on a deal that would bring his client back home: http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/Jacksonville_interested_in_Lito.html

My question is: Why?

The Jaguars seem to have plenty of cornerbacks in Rashean Mathis, Brian Williams, Drayton Florence, Scott Starks, Trae Williams, Isaiah Gardner, Michael Grant and Brian Witherspoon. Jack Del Rio said Sunday that he'd like to bring eight cornerbacks to training camp. So, it looks to me like he's got his eight.

While Sheppard would make a good addition, you've got to question why the team would bring in another "starting" corner. The team preaches its philosophy of creating a competitive environment. Cool. But by adding Sheppard, it would basically have four corners who could start on most NFL teams. So basically two good players would be on the bench. This doesn't make much sense to me.

A veteran Jags player agreed.

"Wow," he said. "We've got plenty of corners. Why would we want to do that? I'm sure Shep wants to start, Rashean is Jack's stepson and they gave Drayton [Florence] plenty of [money]."

So basically, if the club signed Sheppard, he'd have a tough time of getting onto the field. What do you guys think?

Sheppard's agent, Lamont Smith, isn't commenting on the reports. Contacted this morning at the offices of All Pro Sports & Entertainment in Denver, Smith's secretary said the agent is not commenting on anything regarding Sheppard.

"But you're welcome to check back at anytime," she said.

Thanks...

Should the Jaguars sign Jacksonville native CB Lito Sheppard?
Yes - you can never have too many good corners
Yes - but only if the price is right
No - the Jaguars already have too many corners
No - one good corner will be on the bench this season as it is

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NFL Draft a done deal

With the draft now over, we expect to get a list soon of all the Jaguars rookie free agents. So stay tuned for that.

In the meantime, what did you guys think of the draft? What type of a role do you see Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves playing next year. When you take guys in the top two rounds, there's an expectation for immediate contributions. So it's probably safe to say that Harvey will likely start while Groves should get plenty of playing time.

Jags pick almost up

The Jaguars are eight picks away from making their fifth-round pick.

I figure the Jags go after Arizona St. safety Josh Barrett. He's a big safety who ran a 4.3 at the NFL combine.

Also keep an eye out for Colt Brennan. Not that the Jags need him or anything, but he's still out there.

Recovery from Day 1

Day 1 of the NFL draft for the Jaguars was a bit of a whirlwhind. It'll be interesting to see what happens on Day 2. There's some talk the Jaguars are trying to work out a trade to acquire more picks.

We'll see what happens.