American Football: Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars made their already-formidable defence even better by selecting Bethune Cookman cornerback Rashean Mathis with the 39th pick in the NFL draft.

The three-time All-America developed into one of the finest interceptors in the history of college football, and joins several top defensive signings at Jacksonville.

Mathis finished his career with 31 interceptions, topping the NCAA I-AA mark of 28 by Dave Murphy of Holy Cross (1986-89).

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Jaguars defensive lineman Larry Smith collapsed during practice Sunday but was recovering in a Jacksonville hospital.

The 6-foot-5, 310-pound Smith fell while the team was taking a water break during the morning practice. The temperature was 87 degrees around the time Smith collapsed, and with the humidity factored in, it felt like 95 degrees, according to National Weather Service data.

Team spokesman Dan Edwards said Smith, a fifth-year player, would be kept in the hospital overnight for observation. He said Smith was listed as being in good condition.

Smith's collapse came the day after the widow of late Minnesota Vikings lineman Korey Stringer said she would sue the NFL, alleging the league's policies led to Stringer's heatstroke death two years ago.

Five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Jimmy Smith of the Jacksonville Jaguars has been suspended by the NFL for four games for violating the League's substance abuse policy.

The NFL does not release details of drug violations but Smith, the leading receiver in franchise history, issued a statement through the team.

The Jags are trying to trade QB Mark Brunell, they offered him to the Jets after Pennington went down but they wouldn't bite. The Jags also offered Brunell to the Cowboys and Ravens who both have young QB's but they both passed as well.

The Jags used their first round draft choice to draft QB Byron Leftwich and their second year QB David Garrard has had a good camp.

Their coach Jack DelRio still insists that Brunell is their starter but just the fact that they are offering him to other teams speaks volumes IMO.