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The worst first round draft picks in Jacksonville Jaguars history

By Anthony Robertson

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 13: Wide receiver Justin Blackmon #14 of the Jacksonville Jaguars makes a pass reception and cornerback Champ Bailey #24 of the Denver Broncos makes the tackle at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 13, 2013 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Jaguars 35-19. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 13: Wide receiver Justin Blackmon #14 of the Jacksonville Jaguars makes a pass reception and cornerback Champ Bailey #24 of the Denver Broncos makes the tackle at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 13, 2013 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Jaguars 35-19. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /
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It’s a tough call, but who is the worst first-round draft pick in Jacksonville Jaguars history?

The Jacksonville Jaguars do not have the best track record when it comes to first-round draft picks. Who is the worst of the worst in Jthe team’s 25-year history?

With any type of luck, the Jacksonville Jaguars pick for this year will find himself far away from any mention of this list. Jacksonville has had some very successful draft picks throughout the years, but our draft history has also had a fair share of duds. Before we dive into the 2019 NFL draft let’s take a look back on some of our worst mistakes and biggest disappointments in Jaguars first-round draft history.

DERRICK HARVEY – Draft History: 8th Pick of the 2011 NFL Draft. Stats as a Jaguar: 88 Tackles, 8 sacks in 3 seasons.

About Derrick Harvey: Derrick Harvey was a beast for the Florida Gators. The leader of his defense, a player who caused headaches for offensive linemen, and had a strong Combine, Harvey seemed destined to be a legitimate star in the NFL.

Jacksonville bought into him, giving four picks to the Baltimore Ravens in order to take him with the eighth pick in the 2011 Draft. Unfortunately, this didn’t pan out for the Jaguars and Harvey went down as one of the biggest mistakes in Jaguars history.

R. JAY SOWARD – Draft History: 29th Pick of the 2000 NFL Draft. Stats as a Jaguar: 14 Receptions, 154 Yards, 1 Touchdown in 3 seasons.

About R Jay Soward: Jacksonville doesn’t have a very good history of first-round receivers, but R Jay Soward was the first, in what seems like a curse on all first-round receivers selected by Jacksonville.

He only played one season, and he was not very effective when playing either. Unfortunately, before he developed into any kind of dependable player, he was suspended by the NFL.

The team cut its losses with Soward in 2003, but the curse still haunts Jacksonville with players like Matt Jones and the next player on this list.

JUSTIN BLACKMON – Draft History: 5th Pick of the 2012 NFL Draft. Stats as a Jaguar: 93 Receptions, 1280 Yards, 6 Touchdowns in 20 games.

About Justin Blackmon: This may be the most disappointing player on this list, simply because Justin Blackmon had all the talent in the world, but just lost himself. His first year as a Jaguar was successful. Blackmon showed plenty of promise and looked like he could grow into one of the best wide receivers in the league.

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Alcohol abuse led to suspensions and time away from the game. Blackmon is one of the biggest “what if” stories in NFL history, and perhaps if he could have gotten help for his addiction earlier than he would still be dominating corners in black and teal today.

LUKE JOECKEL – Draft History: 2nd Pick of the 2013 NFL Draft

About Luke Joeckel: A year after Blackmon was taken Jacksonville found themselves once again with a top 5 pick in the draft. Jacksonville decided to draft Luke Joeckel out of Texas A&M. This draft class was not a strong class, but players like Lane Johnson, DeAndre Hopkins, Zach Ertz, and Ezekiel Ansah were all taken later in the first round.

The franchise may wish it could go back and pick a different player because Joeckel was one of the worst linemen in the league during his tenure with Jacksonville.

DISHONORABLE MENTIONS: Yes, we have to mention these players

Matt Jones: Off the field problems, lack of on-field production.

Blaine Gabbert: Was drafted because of need rather than talent, extremely turnover prone.

Byron Leftwich: Cannon arm but terrible footwork and mobility.

Reggie Williams: Below average receiver who never developed, at least he was never suspended.

Blake Bortles: Beloved by some, but numbers don’t lie. Took us to the AFC Championship and had some really good games, but very bad seasons.

No-shows draw ire of Jaguars Tom Coughlin. dark. Next

Tyson Alualu: Good at filling in space, but not very good at disrupting plays. He was fun to watch at fullback though.

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