Jacksonville Jaguars: 4 toughest wide receivers on 2021 schedule

Third-toughest WR on the Jacksonville Jaguars schedule: DK Metcalf

Even though D.K. Metcalf displayed top physical traits in college and blew the NFL Scouting Combine, he almost slid to the third round of 2019’s draft. The Seattle Seahawks took action and used the 64th overall pick on him. Looking back that, the Hawks surely felt good about investing a second-round selection in the Ole Miss product.

As a rookie, Metcalf showed he could be a number-one target. He had a breakout season in 2020, hauling in 83 receptions for 1303 yards and ten touchdowns. Moreover, he averaged 15.7 yards per catch. Anthony Threash of Pro Football Focus ranked him as the second-best deep threat in the NFL right now. He points out that the Seahawks wide receiver has shown his elite speed in different instances, such as pursuing Cardinals linebacker Budda Barker to prevent a pick-sick in 2020.

That’s the thing though, Metcalf knows how to use his speed. Think of other speedsters such as Ted Ginn Jr. or Darius Heyward-Bey. They were some of the fastest wide receivers in their respective draft classes but weren’t the kind of playmakers Metcalf is.

It helps that the former Rebel is catching passes from Russell Wilson, one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL but even without him, he would find a way to make plays. Metcalf will test the Jaguars’ improved cornerback room in Week 8. The fact that the game will take place at Lumen field will make it an even more challenging matchup.