Justin Blackmon the worst Jags pick ever?

Former Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon had the talent to be something special but his career was derailed with off-field issues.

Not many people had negative things to say about the Jacksonville Jaguars selecting Justin Blackmon fifth overall in 2012. In fact, almost everything that was said was positive, especially getting an uber talented wide receiver at fifth overall.

At first, it seemed the Jags got a complete steal. Blackmon posted just three 100 yard games in his short career, but his 236 yard performance against the Houston Texans in 2012 opened eyes to what he could truly become.

Sadly, he never got there.

In a career derailed due to off-field issues, Blackmon hasn’t taken a snap since October 2013. He’s unable to come back due to an indefinite suspension and the only news that comes out about him is negative.

All of that combines to make him the worst pick in Jags history according to Jim Reineking:

"The Jaguars have a horrific track record of drafting wide receivers in the first round. Jacksonville took R. Jay Soward in 2000, Reggie Williams in 2004, Matt Jones in 2005 and then Blackmon in 2012. Every one of those players could be considered the Jaguars’ “worst ever” draft selection, but we’re going with the most recent. Off-the-field issues have derailed Blackmon’s once-promising NFL career. Blackmon played just two seasons (2012-13) and 20 games in the NFL."

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While there have been many mistakes in drafting over the franchise’s relatively short history, there are other contenders (not just wide receivers) to be the worst picks in the team’s history. Defensive end Derrick Harvey, drafted in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft, immediately springs to mind.

What may actually put Blackmon over the top, however, is just how talented he could have been and how quickly it was all taken away. Matt Jones, Reggie Williams, and Harvey were never so talented and weren’t forced to walk away from the game as quickly as Blackmon was. Blackmon really was a quick flash in the pan and then nothing.

All bad draft picks leave a bitter taste in any fan’s mouth but the Blackmon selection is especially bitter. He could have been the difference maker the team needed but never gave himself the chance to get right and become a professional.

Fortunately, the Jaguars have moved on and have some truly impressive receivers right now. Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns have made the painful memories of Blackmon fade from many fans’ minds. Maybe Dante Fowler Jr. can help us all forget Derrick Harvey too.