After watching "Shack and Jack's" (former vice president of player personnel "Shack" Harris and head coach Jack Del Rio) consensus system of drafting deliver only one Pro Bowler in six years, Gene Smith was promoted to GM this past January.

Since taking over, Smith seemingly can do no wrong. His first draft produced four starters from his first four picks (OT Eugene Monroe, OT Eben Britton, DT Terrance Knighton and CB Derek Cox), and several other first-year players are making contributions (WR Mike Thomas, TE Zach Miller and RB Rashad Jennings).

One source close to the team said, "If the draft took place again today, the first four Jacksonville picks would all be first-rounders."

Smith's drafting philosophy is to always select the best available player rather than selecting needs. He emphasizes building his club around high-character, hardworking individuals.

One of Smith's first moves once he became GM was to rid the club of malcontents. Jerry Porter, Matt Jones, Mike Peterson, Khalif Barnes and others were all shown the door, symbolizing the departure of the former regime.

The results are apparent, with the club in the thick of the wild-card chase despite many believing this would be a rebuilding year, and those close to the team raving about the chemistry and work ethic in the locker room. 

Smith has been with the club since its inception in 1994, and the belief is that the team will leave Jacksonville before he would leave the Jaguars.

"Smith works incredibly long hours," a daily team observer told PFW. "He is always the first one in the building and the last guy to leave."

Such hours are necessary for a man in Smith's unique position. He is one of the most powerful GMs in the league as far as the influence owner Wayne Weaver has granted him. Del Rio has been stripped of all personnel decisions and Smith is in complete control of all roster decisions.

Smith is a mild-mannered, humble guy, despite all his success. "He is the best-kept secret in the league," says our source. "He has as many stories as Bill Parcells, but no one has ever heard of the guy."

If the Jaguars' success continues, Smith won't be flying under the radar much longer.

PFW has launched its brand-new NFL Draft Newsletter series, with the second issue now ready for mailing. Produced by PFW's player personnel department under the direction of Nolan Nawrocki, the series consists of four information-packed issues. For more info or to subscribe — click here for PDF e-pub or here for print format.