There were far more high profile acquisitions for the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason, but perhaps no player will upgrade the position like new starting Free Safety Tashaun Gipson will do.
Even two days into training camp (yes, we know it’s only pyjama football), the range and playmaking potential of the former Cleveland Browns ballhawk has been notable and Gipson has earned the praise of coaches and teammates.
For the many Jaguars fans who have endured the lack of credible ‘centerfield’ players for many years, this represents a time of hope. The drafting of Reggie Nelson out of Florida in the first round in 2007 was meant to address the position and after some optimism in a 5 INT rookie year, Nelson regressed and his play in both the run and pass game emerged as unreliable over the 3 year tenure in Jacksonville.