NFL Free Agency: Michael Crabtree, Jeremy Maclin, or Torrey Smith?
By Luke Sims
Dec 28, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) catches a pass over Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Torrey Smith, Baltimore Ravens
"Speed kills. Smith has averaged nearly 17 yards per catch for his career and regularly draws long pass interference penalties. Just don’t expect him to be a true No. 1 receiver. – Chris Wesseling and Gregg Rosenthal"
Smith may be my favorite for the Jags even though he had a down year in 2014. For starters, he hasn’t missed a lot of time unlike the other two players we’re analyzing here. He’s missed just two games in his career. Further, his yards per catch are ridiculous at 15.7 per reception (13th overall, last season). Most importantly, though, is that he scores. He racked up 11 TDs last season even though he only had 767 yards. That’s something the Jags desperately need.
If we’re talking about dependability (as in being on the field), big play ability, and putting up points, then Smith is the best of these three. He also brings championship experience with him, having won the Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens. His ability to impart knowledge on younger receivers and have them gain from his experience may be unrivaled. I think you can easily make the case that Smith would enhance Bortles’ passing attack easily.