WR Jarett Dillard Cut – Experiment Over

As reported by ESPN’s Paul Kuharsky, the Jags cut WR Jarett Dillard today.

Dillard was a coaching favorite and a talented player according to most everyone.  The problem was that he couldn’t stay on the field due to injury.

Since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2009 draft, Dillard has seen the field in all of 21 games with five starts – all coming in 2011.  He was inactive during the 2010 season.  I have openly voiced my criticism of the Jags keeping the wide receiver on the roster (among other oft-injured players).

The production of Dillard when he did see the field did not warrant his retention.  In 14 games last season he only hauled in 29 passes for 292 yards (a 10.1 yard per reception average) and one touchdown.  His 20.9 yards per game were not part of the solution to the Jags’ anemic passing attack.

One of the reasons Mike Thomas was extended last year was because he had shown he can make plays.  Laurent Robinson was brought in because he has shown the ability to be a play maker.  Justin Blackmon has the talent to be a continuous highlight reel.  Lee Evans has enough highlight reels to watch for a lifetime.

All of these players are here and will be retained because they can make plays.

Dillard displayed some flashes of talent, but didn’t show that he could be a difference maker.

It’s apparent that the Jags need someone who can securely grab the ball and then do something special with it in his hands.  Not only was the continuous injuries a problem for Dillard, but his talent didn’t translate into anything special on the field.

A lot of people, especially people on this site, wanted to see Dillard succeed.  Unfortunately it isn’t going to happen here in Jacksonville.

– Luke N. Sims