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Justin Blackmon Not in Jaguars’ 2015 Plans

By Luke Sims

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Justin Blackmon will not be part of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2015 season plans.

General manager Dave Caldwell started to move past Blackmon in the 2014 NFL Draft when he drafted wide receivers Marqise Lee and Allen Robinson in the second round. He spoke at the pre-draft luncheon and said that he and the Jaguars will once again be planning their season with thinking of Blackmon being a part of that receiver mix.

Justin Blackmon has failed to stay on the field due to off the field concerns, particularly regarding his substance abuse violations. He earned an indefinite suspension from the NFL after three violations.

Blackmon is an unique talent at wide receiver but with a full year lost to suspension, he’ll have to earn a spot back with the Jaguars if he gets reinstated. “[We] plan to go without him, but if he emerges, he emerges, and he’s going to go in with those top guys and compete with those other guys,” Caldwell said. For Blackmon – who could easily be the top receiver for the Jaguars – this hopefully does no de-motivate him from pursuing reinstatement with the NFL.

The Jaguars have mostly issued supportive statements for their troubled receiver. Blackmon has reportedly checked into rehab and has been working to right his life since he was suspended by the league. Head coach Gus Bradley and Caldwell are not in contact with him but have been supportive of the steps that he has reportedly been taking to see himself brought back into the league.

"“Hopefully we’re able to get some news, but if not we weren’t planning on [having Blackmon]. We’re just going to go [without him].” – GM Dave Caldwell"

The Jaguars have a promising group of young receivers with Robinson, Lee and 2014 undrafted free agent Allen Hurns. They would like a veteran presence added to the mix or another premium talent brought in. The Jags continue to be mocked with wide receiver Amari Cooper in the 2015 NFL Draft, which would signal a definitive departure from the Blackmon waiting period.

I wish Justin Blackmon the best in getting his life together, whether he hits the football field or not. The Jaguars could certainly use him, but it is more important that he figures things out personally. I commend the Jaguars front office for supporting him, but recognize the pragmatic approach to football which is, after all, a business.

Next: Could Justin Blackmon be the Jaguars' Missing Piece?

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