NFL Draft 2012: Why Wide Receiver Should Be Jaguars' No. 1 Priority

The Jacksonville Jaguars have legitimate concerns at defensive end, outside linebacker, safety, cornerback, right guard, right tackle, center and even quarterback; however, they should focus their efforts on obtaining wide receiver talent through the 2012 NFL Draft.

Although running back Maurice Jones-Drew led the league last season in rushing with 1,606 yards, the team finished dead last in passing yards per game. 

This is astonishing when you consider the fact that the team lost 11 games last year and averaged nearly 30 passes per game.  Not only is it easier to gain chunks of yardage through the air than on the ground, but it also gives teams a better chance to stop the clock by working closer towards the sidelines; therefore, there should be an obvious spike in passing attempts when trailing.

Since rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert only averaged 5.4 yards per pass, the increase in attempts may not have helped too much.  His 51 percent completion rate certainly didn’t.

Even if the Jaguars are able to sign a wide receiver via free agency, they should not discount the young prospects available in the draft.

After giving up first and second-round picks in the 2011 to select Gabbert, the Jaguars would be wise to pair him with a young talented receiver that he can develop alongside.

With the seventh overall pick in this year’s draft, there is a possibility that the Jaguars will have the chance to select Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon.  In the Fiesta Bowl, the wideout was on full display as he caught eight balls for 186 yards and three touchdowns. 

The fact that Blackmon had three scores isn’t why I’m enamored with him.  It’s how he did it that has me impressed.

The OSU-product showed his strength and speed by getting behind coverage and breaking tackles for his first two scores that went for 43 and 67 yards.  His final score of 17 yards proved that he also has the ability to operate within the red zone—an area where space is limited and separation from route running is vital for success.

This is the exactly the kind of playmaking ability that would force defenses to play one-half of the field honestly and would allow Jones-Drew more running room on the edges.

Yes, the team needs more consistency from the offensive line if they want better results; however, they ranked ninth in the run via Pro Football Focus while their starters constantly battled injuries.

The New York Giants had PFF’s 31^st ranked offensive line and all they did was win the Super Bowl. 

How?

With an elite set of wide receiver talent, that’s how.

Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham make up the most dynamic trio of receivers in the NFL.  Their presence and playmaking ability led Eli Manning to a career-setting season and a Super Bowl MVP award.

In New York’s Super Bowl win, it was New England head coach, Bill Belichick, who proved the value of having depth at the wide receiver position. 

As the third receiver on the Giants’ depth chart, Belichick wanted to “make them” throw to Manningham.  And of course, it was Manningham who made a beautiful 38-yard catch along the sidelines to start New York’s game-winning drive.

Instead of reaching for an offensive lineman in a top-heavy draft, the Jaguars should take a play from the champion’s playbook and accumulate wide receivers instead.

Last year, left tackle Eugene Monroe finally began to play at a level that warranted his eighth overall selection.  With the benefit of a full offseason, look for this young group up front to develop more chemistry and come back in better shape.

The offensive struggles should come as no surprise when you realize Jones-Drew’s eight rushing touchdowns equaled the total number of touchdown catches that Jacksonville wideouts posted.  In fact, his three touchdown catches accounted for 25 percent of the team’s receiving scores.

The anomalies don’t end there.

For the Jags, two of the top three receiving threats weren’t even wide receivers! 

Granted, tight ends have expanded roles in today’s NFL and are asked to do more than just block; however, Marcedes Lewis managed only 39 catches for 460 yards and zero touchdowns.  His production doesn’t even include the times he was subjected into protection for the previously mentioned injury-prone offensive line.

Other than Mike Thomas, no other Jaguar receiver caught more than 25 balls. 

Thomas entered the season as the team’s number one option and finished with one touchdown catch.  Clearly, it’s time to change that.

At 5’8”, Thomas is best suited to play the slot—where ideally, the third option would line up.  His lack of height and breakaway speed gives cornerbacks an automatic advantage in coverage.  His small stature also hurts in the run game, where he is unable to maintain blocks against the secondary.

With an offense that’s littered with question marks, it’s important for the team to improve what they already know best.  If the Jaguars want any chance of upgrading their rushing attack and overall offensive efficiency, look no further than the outsides for answers.

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