Jaguars Offseason Review: Wide Receiver

With the majority of the offseason in the books, at least with NFL free agency and the NFL Draft, we can start to look at the Jacksonville Jaguars position by position and see what we can begin looking for when training camp rolls around. After the quarterback position, the position that holds the most interest is at wide receiver with the new additions of Laurent Robinson and Justin Blackmon.

Returning Players

Mike Thomas - Thomas was a disappointing player last season, to say the least, as his play really tapered off after he got his new contract. Thomas gave up on some routes and had issues with drops during the season, but he was also forced into trying to be something he's not, a full-time outside receiver.

Cecil Shorts III - Shorts looked fantastic in training camp and the preseason last year, but completely disappeared when the real lights were on during the season. Shorts finished last season with just two receptions, but one of them was for a touchdown.

Chastin West - West was a late waiver addition by the Jaguars and came in with a lot of promise, but never really delivered. His playing time was kind of spotty, but he seemed to do a nice job when he was on the field.

Brian Robiskie - Robiskie was also a waiver addition, but suffered a season ending injury before really being able to do anything. He's a former second round pick who was productive in college, but has been a massive disappointment so far in the NFL.

Taylor Price - Price was a forme mid-round pick by the New England Patriots, who Jaguars fans are familiar with. Price tore up the Jaguars defense in the preseason last year, but that's about all he's done. Price suffered a foot injury in the first set of OTAs, so he'll be unavailable until training camp most likely.

Lost Players

Mike Sims-Walker - The Jaguars also lost Sims-Walker last season and the Jaguars receivers looked awful. It wasn't necessarily because of the loss of Sims-Walker but it happened. Sims-Walker was re-signed after he was released by the Rams, but blew out his knee in his second game back with the team.

Jarett Dillard - Dillard was cut about a week ago, to the surprise of some. As mentioned, the Jaguars clearly didn't think Dillard would make the roster so he was cut early to give him a chance to make another roster.

Kassim Osgood - Osgood wasn't a shocking release at all. He held a high salary for playing a specialized position and not really contributing much as an actual wide receiver. Though, I will say I was disappointed with the lack of chances he had last year, given the whole wide receiver situation.

New Players

Lee Evans - Evans was signed to a one-year "show me" type deal, as head coach Mike Mularkey is familiar with what a healthy Evans can offer the team. If Evans can stay healthy, I'd expect him to make the Jaguars roster.

Laurent Robinson - Robinson was given a big deal in NFL free agency and will instantly inject some big play ability into the Jaguars offense, offering up a guy who can get down the field, which is something they haven't had in a while.

Justin Blackmon - The Jaguars traded up for Blackmon and he should be an opening day starter for the team. Blackmon's impact on the offense remains to be seen, but he can do nothing but help it.

Kevin Elliott - Elliot is an undrafted free agent who has received a lot of praise from the Jaguars coaching staff after just one rookie mini-camp. The FAMU product has good size and big play ability.

Mike Brown - Brown was signed after a three-day rookie mini-camp tryout. He offers ability after the catch, potential added value as a kick returner, and can run some Wild Cat if the Jaguars so choose to.

Chris Forcier - Forcier, like Brown, made the 90-man roster after a tryout at the rookie mini-camp. Forcier has good size and speed, but still needs to adjust to the move from quarterback to wide receiver.