Jaguars Draft 2019: Is wide receiver an option in Round 1?

Will the Jacksonville Jaguars overlook other areas of need and take a wide receiver with the seventh pick in the 2019 NFL Draft next month?

Could the Jacksonville Jaguars really take a wide receiver with the seventh pick in the NFL draft next month?

I’m not a huge fan of the possibility, however it is something that must be discussed. The Jaguars did a good job of adding depth and major needs through free agency. Now, with Nashville on everyone’s mind and only a month between now and one of my favorite nights of the year, I’m beginning to think a playmaker is a strong possibility.

I really don’t want that to happen, as I see the team’s needs greater than taking a chance on a pass catcher. The offensive line and tight end are still lacking for this franchise. While there is deoth throughout the draft at both positions, having an opportunity to take the top-rated player at either tackle or tight end should outweigh the potential of what a wide receiver can do for this offense.

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When the Jaguars signed a Chris Conley, they brought in a veteran who although has dealt with injuries, could be a nice addition to the receiving corps. He has a rapport with Nick Foles from their time in Kansas City, which is a plue. He also would fill the void left when Donte Moncrief exited via free agency. Moncrief didn’t prove to be the stand out wide receiver we had hoped for, which isn’t as big a loss for the team, but from a number’s standpoint, this move makes the team better.

The idea of Conley teaming up with Dede Westbrook and Marqise Lee along with DJ Chark, could make the passing game pretty exciting this coming season.

Still, at some point in round one through seven, I expect Jacksonville to grab at least one wide receiver. The problem with that is the overvalue of somebody like D.K. Metcalf, who blew everybody away at the Combine in February. While he looks the part with his size and athleticism, did he just become a Mike Mamula-type, one who improves his draft stock based on a couple of workouts?

Jacksonville’s recent misfortunes with the position, most notably Justin Blackmon but also with Reggie Williams and Matt Jones leaves me feeling a little bit gun shy. That’s not to say that Metcalf or someone else won’t help the organization, but there is more value in Round 3 or 4 for this franchise, should a player they like be available.

Jaguars general manager David Caldwell told the media earlier this month he was pleased with the group of pass catchers on the roster. They added Conley to provide death and potential he becomes a third or fourth option. If Westbrook continues the path he is on, and becomes more of an elite pass catcher with his break-fast speed, and Lee returns from a knee injury to give the team a much needed veteran in the slot, Nick Foles will have an opportunity at a magical season in Jacksonville.

I suspect the offensive game plan will be more balanced this year. While the team will still use the run to set up the pass, I think it’s conceivable this team may have two 1,000-yard receivers this season.

If everything goes according to my plan, and yes I do have another mock draft coming out this week, the Jaguars will select tackle in the first round, most likely Jawaan Taylor of Florida. In the second round they will hopefully get a tight end, possibly Irv Smith Jr. And then it’s a crapshoot. With the 69th and 98th pick in the third round, they could add a wide receiver and a running back.
What this does is make Jacksonville’s blueprint that much more effective. And since the Jaguars only scored 15.3 points per game last year, any additions at the skill positions is not only welcomed, they are needed.

Next. Jaguars Free Agency 2019: Corey Grant is still out there. dark

I’m going to guess that somebody like Metcalf will be a top 15 pick, one where the Jaguars will pass him by and focus on other needs. That’s not to say the team doesn’t trade down. Yes, that’s an option this year. If that does happen, then a wide receiver may be in play. But for now let’s think that this team will focus on other areas of need and not reach too soon for potential that may not develop over time.

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