Wide receiver is not an immediate need for the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason, but that doesn’t mean they should fully ignore the position altogether. There will be plenty of talented wideouts early in the 2021 NFL Draft, but they should consider using a selection later in the process on Amari Rodgers.
Rodgers is not among the top wide receiver prospects in this year’s draft class. However, Maurice Moton of Bleacher report believes the Clemson standout could be a second-round pick and included him on his list of 2021 Senior Bowl hot prospects.
Moton believes Rodgers showed the ability to gain separation at the NFL during Senior Bowl practices and the game itself. He praises the wide receiver’s ability to haul in difficult passes and his ability to create space and catch the football at its highest point.
Also, Moton brings up the touchdown reception he had in the game, a difficult catch between two defenders. Throughout Senior Bowl week, Rodgers’ quickness and speed were brought up. While a first round-pick may be too high, the Jaguars could use their extra second-round selection, the one they acquired from the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for defensive end Yannick Ngakoue last offseason, or the first pick in the third round, the 65th overall selection.
Would it make sense for the Jacksonville Jaguars to target Amari Rodgers?
If the Jaguars don’t feel comfortable using the 25th overall pick on Kadarius Toney, but still want to add reinforcements to their wide receiver corps, they should target Rodgers later in the process. The 44th selection may be still too early to take the 2020 First-Team All-ACC selection, but Jacksonville will need to consider taking him if he’s still on the board by the time they’re on the clock in the third round.
Since wide receiver is not a big need for the ‘Jags’ this offseason, they won’t be forced to pick one early in the draft. They can target other positions and wait for the right one to fall to them. Rodgers could end up being the one.