Jacksonville Jaguars roster bubble: Rashad Greene

With his NFL career likely on the line this summer, Jaguars wide receiver Rashad Green has shined in minicamp and looks ready to contribute.

After being selected in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, former Florida State standout Rashad Greene had modest expectations. He was super productive in Tallahassee but his role when he came into the league was primarily to return punts.

As a receiver, Greene has been underwhelming. Not a factor at all in 2017 thanks to an injury, Greene has only amassed 125 yards on 24 receptions for a comically low 5.2 yards per catch. Oddly enough, Green had 7 receptions in his first game as a rookie in 2015, but he never caught more than 3 balls in a game after that.

If it wasn’t for his electrifying ability as a return man, Greene would have been a complete afterthought in his first two seasons. Even there, Greene was a disappointment in his second season and now he has to compete for playing time on special teams as well.

Greene’s career as a Jaguar is on life support and he knows it – he’s been terrific this offseason.

Mike DiRocco over at ESPN recently singled out Greene as his surprise standout from the offseason training activities and minicamp:

"Wide receiver Rashad GreeneThe Jaguars’ fifth-round pick in 2015 made a splash as a punt returner as a rookie but played in only eight games the past two seasons (none in 2017) because of injuries He’s the forgotten guy when everyone talks about the receivers and was going to have to be very impressive in the spring and at camp to have a shot at making the top six. He has done the first part because he has been the most consistent and best receiver during OTAs and at mandatory minicamp. He has lined up outside and in the slot and has consistently gotten open."

Green has a real opportunity here because the Jaguars don’t have a true slot receiver ready to take over after the departure of Allen Hurns. Dede Westbrook and Keelan Cole are both outside guys primary, as is rookie DJ Chark. Marqise Lee lines up everywhere, but the Jaguars don’t have a consistent inside receiver. Greene has reliable hands and the requisite shiftiness to shine in the slot, he just needs to find consistency.

If he continues playing well throughout training camp, he’ll have a chance to cement himself as a part of the offense.