Jaguars Donte Moncrief Moves Into No. 1 Wide Receiver Role

The Jacksonville Jaguars released its depth chart ahead of the game against the New York Giants. Donte Moncrief, the free agent wide receiver from Indianapolis, has moved into the spot held by Marqise Lee.

When the Jacksonville Jaguars released its unofficial depth chart following the injury to Marqise Lee and ahead of the team’s season opener against the New York Giants, Donte Moncrief moved to the top of the depth chart.

Moncrief was brought in from Indianapolis to help replace the loss of both Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns. Lee was supposed to be the No. 1 pass catcher this season in Nathaniel Hackett’s offense, but a knee injury suffered in the third game of the preseason against Atlanta ended his season before it started.

Now, the “veteran” of the group will become a leader on and off the field.

"“The young guys, they look at me as an older guy,” Moncrief said. “I just told them, ‘Anybody can be great.’ It just takes the time and passion to go out there and want to be great.Go out there and make plays every day, not just in a game, also in practice, so you can build the trust when it comes down to game time.”"

More from Jacksonville Jaguars News

• Jacksonville Jaguars should welcome Derrick Henry into the kingdom
• Jaguars Rumors: Trent Baalke seems to be getting respect now
• Jaguars News: This division rival might be making a big move
• Former Jacksonville Jaguars S Johnathan Cyprien: “New Profession, Same Standards”
• Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram officially gets the franchise tag: 3 takeaways

The question with Moncrief is will he live up to the one-year deal the Jaguars gave him of more than $9 million for one season. There have been questions about his inconsistencies with the Colts. He will need to become a “go-to” receiver in this offense, one that is a run-first scheme.

Moncrief will share the field with Keelan Cole, who has a chance for a breakout season in Lee’s absence. Dede Westbrook will also be part of the three-wide receiver set.

There is a reason to believe Moncrief can be a part of a rotation that could be one of the more underrated units in the NFL this season. At 6-foot-2, he caught 152 passes for 1,875 yards and 18 touchdowns in four years with Indianapolis.

Then there is the question about durability. He missed 11 games the last two seasons because of shoulder and toe injuries. Given that he dealt with a quarterback carousel the past few seasons, having one signal caller under center and developing a bond with Blake Bortles may do him some good. He said he wants to prove he is a player the Jaguars can depend on this season.

"“Just having a chip on my shoulder to go out and show what I actually can do and have a healthy year and come out here and compete and show the league what I’ve got,” Moncrief said. “I know what I’m capable of and I’m going to hold myself to it.”"

The Jaguars are hoping what he is capable of will help this young core of wide receivers to do even greater things in 2018.