JACKSONVILLE- The Jaguars signed Donte Moncrief and re-signed Marquise Lee during the off-season. However, Allen Robinson signed with the Bears and the Jaguars released Allen Hurns. What’s the next step in Jacksonville’s plan to rebuild the offense? Will they sign a free agent or draft a receiver? Perhaps the Jaguars are content with the depth chart. Jacksonville seemed willing to part ways with Robinson after he missed most of the season with an injury.
For the sake of argument let’s assume Jacksonville is decisive and decides to add a receiver. The Jaguars need a number one receiver that makes a super bowl run feasible. What receivers can make the big difference? Perhaps the Jaguars will consider signing Dez Bryant. He is a veteran that has the size and strength to catch passes in traffic, which is exactly what Robinson does. Bryant would be a great fit for the offense even though there might be concerns regarding his intense personality. He would likely expect a lucrative deal despite a significant drop in receiving yards the past three seasons. Is this really the most realistic outcome? It would be best not to entertain this idea too much unless things change.
The more realistic possibility is the Jaguars will draft a receiver in round one or two. Although Alabama’s Calvin Ridley is a great route runner, the Jaguars may be better off with Southern Methodist’s Courtland Sutton (6-3, 218 pounds). In fact, due to Sutton’s strong, physical big frame, he is the Jaguar’s best option in the draft. According to the scouting report on NFL.com, Sutton is great at making catches in traffic. There you have it, Sutton makes catches in traffic as well. Sutton caught 68 passes for 1,085 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. Ridley caught 63 passes for 967 and 5 touchdowns.
Moncrief and Lee provide the team with great speed but that alone won’t do much. It is vital to have strength and speed.