RAHEEM MORRIS EMERGES, JAGS LOCK IN 25TH OVERALL PICK IN DRAFT

The Jaguars got an assist from the Packers and targeted a former head coach for the defensive coordinator position. 

BY JORDAN DE LUGO

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The Jaguars have been BUSY this week, and Shad Khan, the team's owner, couldn't be happier. He smiled from cheek to cheek for much of Urban Meyer's introductory press conference as head coach. Meyer has been working on filling out his staff, and while there have been no official announcements from the team, there have been multiple reports that Charlie Strong, Chris Ash, and Ryan Stamper will be assistant coaches under Meyer. 

On Saturday, Ian Rapoport reported that Scott Linehan and Joe Cullen emerged as candidates for the offensive and defensive coordinator positions, respectively. Linehan has a long history in the NFL, and when given quality talent, has produced impressive results. Cullen is a long-time defensive line coach and served that role in Jacksonville from '10-'12. He's as intense and committed as they come but does not have NFL defensive coordinator experience. 

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On Sunday morning, a new name surfaced as a favorite for the Jaguars' defensive coordinator position. Raheem Morris, who interviewed for the Jags' then-vacant head coaching position, is reportedly (Adam Schefter) in talks with Urban Meyer to become the team's defensive coordinator. Morris has a sterling reputation as one of the top defensive minds in the game and served as the Falcons' defensive coordinator and then interim head coach this past season. He has a history with the Tampa 2 defense but is also comfortable with several different defensive philosophies. So there's no guarantee of how Morris would approach the Jaguars' defense from a schematic standpoint. He has head coaching experience and 17 years of total coaching experience in the NFL. Morris would be a strong hire and leader on the staff. 

On the draft front, the Jaguars' got some assistance from the Rams and Packers. Green Bay took care of Los Angeles at Lambeau Field on Saturday, locking the Jaguars in with the 25th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Jaguars are now guaranteed five picks in the top 65 overall selections, including number 1, 25, 33, 45, and 65. Jacksonville also has six draft picks after that, for a total of 11. 

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