Jaguars add depth to secondary

[WebHamster]

Jacksonville, FL (Sports Network) - The Jacksonville Jaguars signed free agent cornerbacks Dewayne Washington and Lewis Sanders Tuesday in an effort to bolster their secondary.

The signings, which come a week after starting corner Fernando Bryant left the Jags to join the Detroit Lions, bring Jacksonville's total number of free- agent acquisitions to five so far this offseason.

Washington comes to Jacksonville from the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he was a mainstay in the starting lineup since 1998 before losing his job midway through last season.

"He's a savvy veteran who's been a very durable player," said Jacksonville's director of pro personnel Charles Bailey. "He's strong versus the run and has not missed any games. He's played on a lot of winning teams. He's a good person and a good fit for us; very competitive."

The 10-year veteran compiled 60 tackles with one interception and seven passes defended in 16 games, including 12 starts, in 2003.

Sanders, 25, was a fourth-round pick of the Cleveland Browns in the 2000 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-1, 210-pounder, who has fought the injury bug in his career so far, can play corner or safety.

"You're hoping these guys who've been around 3-4 years have matured," said James 'Shack' Harris, vice president of player personnel. "We may be catching him where he's maturing. He's always been a promising type of guy."

In limited action, Sanders recorded 12 tackles and two passes defensed last season.

The Jaguars also signed offensive lineman Mike Compton, formerly of the New England Patriots, after previously adding tight end Todd Yoder and linebacker Tommy Hendricks.

[badger526]

I read on the Jags website that they lost both Fernando Bryant and Jason Craft. I think Craft went to the Saints. That leaves the Jags with Rasheen Mathis (if he plays corner again) and some other guys. I'll think we'll be ok though, Craft and Bryant weren't that great.

[NittanyLions]

I read on the Jags website that they lost both Fernando Bryant and Jason Craft. I think Craft went to the Saints. That leaves the Jags with Rasheen Mathis (if he plays corner again) and some other guys. I'll think we'll be ok though, Craft and Bryant weren't that great.

Heh, no see you are screwed. You have DW.

[badger526]

There's a whole bunch of other guys besides Dewayne Washington. They traded Jason Craft to the Saints for a fifth round draft pick, so they might use that pick on a corner. The other potential starting corners on the roster right now include Washington, Rashean Mathis, Kiwaukee Thomas, and another new addtion Juran Bolden. Here's some info on Bolden I found on the Jags site:

Bolden, 6-2, 207, is a journeyman who began his professional career in Atlanta, moved on to the Packers, Panthers and Chiefs and played one year in Canada before returning to Atlanta two years ago. Last year, Bolden won a starting job in Atlanta, forcing veteran Ray Buchanan to be moved to safety.

“He had a good year last season. He's very good on coverage teams,” Bailey added

Prior to emerging as a starter last season, Bolden had made his mark as a special teams gunner, earning the nickname “Big Stick” for his forceful tackles. The Jaguars were interested in Bolden for his special teams skills, but there's hope Bolden is on the verge of taking his cornerback game to a higher level.

I like how big he his. Mathis is also a good tackling corner. If Bolden performs like he should, they might be a good one-two punch.