Jacksonville Jaguars in Round 6 of this April's NFL draft

There's just some extra hanging around.

At last year's rookie combine, Monroe tipped the scales at 309 pounds. By the time he signed with the Jaguars and suited up for their first preseason game, he had bulked up to 329.

Again, not a bad build—just a little unnecessary flab. Watching Monroe play in tune-up games and as a 16-game starter at left tackle, his impressive quick feet, strong hands, and menacing demeanor were always on display.

As, unfortunately, was a hint of sluggishness.

According to Luke Richesson, Jacksonville's second-year strength coach, that won't be a problem anymore. On June 15, Richesson mentioned in an interview that Monroe has cut his weight down to 300 pounds.

"He's 17 percent body fat and he's brutally strong," Richesson said.

It's typical for an NFL player, especially one looking to earn a reputation, to put in heavy work on his physique in the offseason. But a 30-pound weight loss? That's nothing short of phenomenal.

For anyone other than 400-pound Arizona Cardinals guard Deuce Lutui , at least.

Considering that Monroe was likely working with the guidance of top-notch fitness Maurice Jones  professionals, it's safe to assume that most of his cut weight was fat, not muscle. Crunch the numbers, and his efforts amount to nearly a double-digit drop in body fat percentage.

Outstanding—and, when I read about it, a little close-to-home.

A couple of hundred kids, ages 8 through 12, learned things like stretching, agility exercises and engaged in fun competitions at the free clinic.

Owens, who played his college football at Maine and is now one of the top Reggie Nelson special teamers in the NFL, says this is something he's always wanted to do.


This January, I made a New Year's resolution to get in shape before the start of rugby season in March. At the time, I weighed close to 220 pounds and had been limited to playing as a forward when I tried out for the University of Virginia's club team.

Fast-forward to March, and I had turned myself into a 190-pound David Garrard inside center—a back and the main ball-carrier in my club's "crash ball" offense. In terms of body fat, I had dropped from nearly 20 to around 15 percent.

I wasn't (and still am not) in "perfect shape," but my legs were just as strong while pushing less weight around. The results were better explosiveness, better endurance, and all-around better in-game performance.

When Eugene Monroe lines up against the AFC South's fearsome pass rushers this season, that's exactly what he'll need, too.

But McGee, who was selected by the new Jacksonville Jaguars jerseys in Round 6 of this April's NFL draft, says a deal is close.

"We're finishing up," McGee said Monday by phone.

The Jaguars report for training camp July 29 at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium.

"It'll definitely be done by then," said McGee. "I'm just ready to go."

McGee was one of two players from James Madison taken in this year's draft. The other, defensive lineman/linebacker Arthur Moats, was drafted by the Bills earlier in Round 6.

Moats signed a four-year rookie deal with Buffalo in June that included a $112,000 signing bonus.

McGee is one of four unsigned draft picks on the Jaguars' roster. He says he's been busy working out in preparation for his rookie season.