Ranking Jaguars top 5 wide receiver targets on Day 2 of the 2022 draft
Despite a busy offseason for the Jacksonville Jaguars, they can give quarterback Trevor Lawrence another weapon on Day 2 of the NFL Draft.
Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke was a busy man right out of the gate in free agency, handing out contracts like it was Christmas. Considering the team is picking first overall in back-to-back years, overpaying for talent is often what happens when you’re trying to acquire talent. Two prime examples were the signings of Christian Kirk and Zay Jones. Both receivers will be solid options for Lawrence in 2022, but this year’s draft class at their position is full of good prospects.
In fact, it’s so loaded that the Jaguars could walk away with a talented playmaker during the draft’s second day, whether it’s in the second or third rounds. With that being said, there are five potential options that Baalke could have when it’s time to select the 33rd and 65th picks.
Jaguars’ Day 2 Option No. 1 – Calvin Austin III, Memphis
If there’s one word to describe Calvin Austin III, it would be “speed,” and that’s not an exaggeration. His career average of 16.3 yards per reception is just one piece of evidence to support that claim. In addition, Austin also proved to be a consistent scoring option in college. In fact, he’s ninth overall in the American Conference since 2013 with 22 career touchdowns.
CALVIN AUSTIN III CAUGHT THEM SLEEPING 🤯 pic.twitter.com/H5o828mFQ3
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 18, 2021
Austin is one of the more polished route runners in this class and also has some of the best bursts off the line that you’ll ever see. His ability to take off from the line of scrimmage and create separation makes him a potential vertical threat in the NFL. It’s plausible that Austin could come to the Jaguars and immediately become their third, maybe second, option from the outset. He can be used in a variety of ways, from quick pass plays to draws and even from the slot. You just need to find a way to get the ball into Austin’s hands and he’ll take it from there.
Additionally, he’d be an immediate upgrade on special teams. Austin had two punt return touchdowns in college and averaged 27 yards per punt return in his final season at Memphis.