Jaguars: Five things to know
Jaguars: Camp tour | 
Prisco
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Observations from Jaguars camp
1. Quarterback David Garrard is having an outstanding camp throwing the football. Garrard was a pleasant surprise as a first-year starter in 2007, throwing 18 touchdown passes and three interceptions. But the team wants him to be more aggressive throwing down the field. He needs to take the chance throws. If he can get that touchdown number up to 27 or 28, the Jaguars will have a chance at a Super Bowl. Garrard got a big contract during the offseason. Now he needs to show he's worth it.
2. The receiver position is a mess. Jerry Porter, the high-priced free agent, is out after hamstring surgery. The team said he will be back for the opener, but the bet here is that it is October before he sees the field in a regular-season game. Reggie Williams is out after a knee scope for a few weeks and Mike Walker, a second-year receiver who missed all of 2007 with knee issues, is practicing once a day. Troy Williamson, who came over in a trade from the Vikings, has had a great offseason and will be in the mix for time. Williamson, a former first-round pick, is playing like it for the Jaguars.
3. When the Jaguars left after their OTA days, the offensive line was this: LT Richard Collier, LG Maurice Williams, C Brad Meester, RG Vince Manuwai and RT Tony Pashos. There has been a big change in the month since then. Meester is out for a while, probably six weeks, with a torn biceps muscle that required surgery. Dennis Norman is in as the starting center. Collier is a backup to 2007 starter Khalif Barnes. Manuwai moved from the right side to the left side, his natural position, with Williams going to the right side. That means Pashos is the only player in the same position. Even so, the Jaguars coaches think the line can be a strong point. We'll see.
4. The Jaguars linebackers might not have a Pro Bowl player, but this group could be as fast and active as any in the league. Led by veteran Mike Peterson in the middle and young players Justin Durant and Daryl Smith on the outside, they have plenty of speed. Peterson missed the last six games in 2007 with a broken hand. He's healthy now and set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season, so he has motivation. Smith is a rising star and Durant is an explosive hitter in his second season. Clint Ingram adds quality depth if he doesn't push Durant out.
5. The Jaguars traded defensive tackle Marcus Stroud to Buffalo in the offseason, which means Rob Meier goes in as the full-time starter. Meier has started 34 games in his eight years in the league, but never has he opened the season as a starter. Meier is a try-hard player who will be pushed by Tony McDaniel, an emerging third-year player. Don't be shocked to see McDaniel starting at some point this season.
