Do The Jags Draft a WR in the 1st Round?

I’m not doing a mock draft until after free agency. However, I will still talk about who the Jags should try to draft in the 1st round. The major needs of the Jaguars are WR, DE, DB, and OL. Today, I’m taking a look at some of the top WR prospects in this year’s draft. These are the guys that the talking heads are predicting as possible 1st round picks. With the combine next month some of these guys may move up, or down and out of the first round.

Let’s say the Jaguars do not land a true number one WR in free agency and decide to draft a WR. Keep in mind if the Jags have not signed a big time WR in free agency, they should have addressed DE, OL, and CB in free agency. Right?

Justin Blackmon (Oklahoma State) Blackmon appears to be the only sure fire 1st round can’t miss at WR. Blackmon has been listed as high as 2nd pick and as low as the 6th pick in the draft. Blackmon has good size and speed. He played in a spread offense so he will need to show terms that he can run NFL route.

Kendall Wright (Baylor) Wright is a smaller WR with speed to stretch the field. Wright can be explosive after the catch, but needs to work on his route running. He is a smaller guy so blocking for the run is something he will need to improve on

Alshon Jeffery (South Carolina) Jeffery is a big physical WR with great hands. There is concern about his speed and route running. Many believe he is a 4.7 40 guy, which is too slow for the NFL. I am interesting to see what he runs in the 40. Jeffery is a long strider and takes time to get to top speed. Jeffery disappeared at times against the top CBs in the SEC. Jeffery is a bit raw and a high risk high reward WR.

Michael Floyd (Notre Dame) Floyd is a big physical WR with good hands, but is not explosive. Floyd like Jeffery is a long strider that takes time to get to full speed. Uses his big frame to create separation, but needs to improve his route running. Floyd comes with baggage being arrested a few times on alcohol related charges.

Mohamed Sanu (Rutgers) Sanu has great hands and good size. He is a strong WR with a nice burst. Sanu is a nice route runner and finds ways to get open. Sanu’s straight line speed is not great. Sanu is another guy that NFL teams will want to clock his true 40 time.

These are the WRs that could be 1st round picks, but there is a drop off after Blackmon. Once Blackmon is gone Wright and Floyd look like the next two to go in the draft. As of now the 7th pick looks too high to draft Floyd or Wright. Jeffery and Sanu could drop to the 2nd round and there are still other good WR in the draft without a 1st round grade. As a fan I am wanting the Jags find their number one WR in free agency. WR do take time to develop so a young guy may take a year of two to develop. Having a good veteran WR to help develop a young WR would be good.