Michael Crabtree, Jeremy Maclin, and Torrey Smith are all vying for attention behind Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb for free agency money. Cobb promises to be the belle of the ball, but these three other wide receivers offer a lot of value as well. The Jacksonville Jaguars could well be in the market for a veteran wide receiver and if they miss out on Cobb (which would be a shame), they would likely be able to land one of these three other quality wideouts.
The Jags (and other teams) could really use a veteran wide receiver to show the ropes to their younger, less experienced players. With Cecil Shorts III set to hit free agency and the future rather in doubt about him, the Jags could find an improvement with these top-flight players.
This isn’t to say the Jags aren’t happy with Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns, and Marqise Lee right now and want to build off them, but bringing in a proven target would do wonders for Blake Bortles and his development. Tight end Julius Thomas is in play, but getting an outside threat could be more pressing.
Without further ado, analysis:
Dec 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) is introduced before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi
Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers
"Crabtree denied playing through a foot injury last season, but the game film suggests otherwise. Any team signing him will have to hope he can recover the impressive pre-Achilles tear form that helped propel the 49ers into Super Bowl XLVII. – Chris Wesseling and Gregg Rosenthal"
Crabtree has just one 1,000 yard season to his name which is a tad concerning. More concerning was just playing in five games in 2013. Fortunately, he bounced back to play in all 16 games in 2014. He caught 68 balls for 698 yards and four touchdowns last year. That’s decent productivity that can hopefully be built upon in his second season after his Achilles injury.
Of the three, I think Crabtree is the weakest overall player. He has the talent to be something special but hasn’t managed to put it all together with the 49ers and I don’t expect him to. He could use a change of scenery to re-tap that potential. Crabtree could be a strong veteran presence for the Jaguars, but it is hopeful to think of signing him on as the dependable receiver for the Jags.
Next: Let's Get More Dependable
Dec 20, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (18) catches the ball as Washington Redskins cornerback Bashaud Breeland (26) defends in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles
"He might not be as productive away from Chip Kelly’s system. We suspect Kelly won’t let him get away. – Chris Wesseling and Gregg Rosenthal"
Another receiver just returned from injury, Maclin completed a full 16 games in 2014 after missing all of 2013. He’s an important part of the Philadelphia Eagles passing attack and he is a serious threat whenever the QB drops back. He just posted career highs in receptions (85) and yards (1,318). He’s poised to build off of that breakout year.
Maclin was 14th in the league in yards after the catch average with six, 11th in receptions, ninth in yards and touchdowns, and dropped just one pass the whole season (stats courtesy of Pro Football Focus). That’s a level of dependability that the Jags simply can’t find on their roster right now. Maclin would instantly become a safety blanket for Blake Bortles and enable the team to get a better feel for his throwing ability as they have a reliable pass catcher on the other end. Maclin isn’t just a product of Chip Kelly’s system, though his numbers are certainly inflated because of it. Bringing someone with his skill set in may enable the Jags to open up the playbook a bit more.
Next: Why is Torrey Smith Better than Jeremy Maclin?
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.