Allen Robinson or Allen Hurns: Who will lead the Jaguars in Week 1?

Oct 12, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; JJacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Robinson (15) catches a pass during warm ups prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Allen Robinson

Allen Robinson’s first season with the Jacksonville Jaguars was tied with both quarterback Blake Bortles and fellow second-round pick Marqise Lee. Lee, unfortunately, never managed to put together a complete season and failed to really get going until later in the year.

Instead, Robinson found himself compared to undrafted rookie Allen Hurns almost all season. They look to be tied together again in year two as the primary wide receivers.

During his 10 games of 2014, Robinson managed to prove why he was such a valuable rookie prospect. He put together 548 yards on 48 receptions, quickly becoming a reliable receiver for Bortles. Robinson racked up 81 targets in just 10 games, setting a pace for almost 130 total targets in a 16 game season.

Dependability warrants targets and nobody else was as dependable as Robinson. With veteran receiver Cecil Shorts dropping passes and Allen Hurns dropping passes as well, it was critical for the Jaguars to throw the ball to Allen Robinson. They simply needed someone who could hang onto the ball.

Nobody did it better than him for the Jaguars in 2014.

With 11.4 yards per reception and two touchdowns, Robinson proved valuable as a playmaker as well. He posted a long of 54 yards, hinting toward even greater big play ability with more opportunities in his second year.

Right now, there may be no more exciting player on the Jaguars roster than Robinson. Blake Bortles and running back T.J. Yeldon are up there as well, but it’s Robinson who is drawing all of the attention right now.

That attention isn’t given just by the media. It’s also given by opposing defenses.

As the Jaguars head into their Week 1 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, a significant amount of attention during that game will be placed on Robinson. The Panthers simply cannot let Bortles’ favorite target go unchecked in that game. Robinson would simply play a game of catch with Bortles and run up and down the field, doing whatever he pleases.

Without Thomas on the field, that is what Robinson can expect. He is the primary receiver in the passing game until Thomas gets back and he has proven that he can be an effective receiver as well. The NFL is on notice and Allen Robinson can’t go easy as a result.

Next: The other option