Rashad Greene: 3 questions for 2015

Rashad Greene is one of the more interesting players the Jacksonville Jaguars picked up in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Falling to the Jags in the fifth round of the draft when originally projected as a possible third rounder, he gave the team good value on day three. With the need for a veteran receiver still existing, the Jags instead stuck with Greene, banking on his athleticism and dynamic presence as a solution to their problems.

At just 5’11” Greene may not be big enough for the outside, but he is expected to make plays in the slot for the Jaguars. He is also excited to try his hand at other duties, particularly as a punt returner.

Going into the 2015 season, we have a few questions for the young receiver.

Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Rashad Greene catches a pass during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

1) How much playing time will Rashad Greene receiver?

Getting opportunities can be hard in the NFL, especially if you enter a receiving group that already has three strong, young players vying for reps. Greene’s ability to be inserted directly into the slot because of his size and skill set is an enviable position. While he should find some competition for the role, especially with 2014 second rounder Marqise Lee, expect Greene to still get plenty of looks.

Whether this comes out to Greene having four or five targets a game or possibly more will depend largely on his ability to catch the ball. While he had some clutch moments at Florida State with Jameis Winston throwing him the ball, Greene will have to prove he can do it at the NFL level.

In my mind the key thing to watch for Greene is how consistent he can be when catching the ball. The Jags struggled with drops on the whole last season and they could really use another sure-handed receiver to go with Allen Robinson. If Greene can prove he is able to hold onto balls in tough situations then his value should rise.

The Jaguars may be blessed with some quality receivers in the second year of Blake Bortles’ leadership at quarterback and Greene could be a key piece here. I hope we see something exciting from him at training camp so he can prove that he deserved to be taken before the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

Next: How will punt returner shake out?