Jaguars: Latest mock draft suggests big-time competition at wide receiver
Although the Jacksonville Jaguars are mostly expected to address the trenches or the defensive backfield with the 24th overall pick, adding another promising pass catcher for Trevor Lawrence remains a strong possibility. After all, this year's class will offer enticing weapons that the Jags will have a tough time passing on. Both at tight end […]
Although the Jacksonville Jaguars are mostly expected to address the trenches or the defensive backfield with the 24th overall pick, adding another promising pass catcher for Trevor Lawrence remains a strong possibility.
After all, this year's class will offer enticing weapons that the Jags will have a tough time passing on. Both at tight end and wide receiver, expect quite a few names worthy of a discussion.
That's why in the latest mock draft from The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner, the Jaguars make the most out of the board and take Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
"The Jaguars are right there. Trevor Lawrence made the jump last year, and he, like his team, looks ready for big things in 2023," writes Baumgardner in the article. "If Jacksonville can snag a pass catcher, be it Smith-Njigba or one of the top tight ends, it could be the difference-maker for a very promising young club."
Lawrence would absolutely love the pick. After all, the more weapons the better. Just consider what his group of targets would look like. Calvin Ridley, Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, Evan Engram, and on top of that Smith-Njigba?
That's a neat group of players.
However, such a pick would probably confuse Kirk, who's fresh off of a 1,108-yard, eight-touchdown season. Smith-Njigba projects best as a slot receiver, which is the role the current Jaguars WR stars in.
Last season, Kirk had 74 catches, 931 yards, and five touchdowns out of the slot, per PFF.
If Jacksonville ends up adding the Ohio State product, where would he fit in for the Jaguars? It would be an intriguing scenario for Doug Pederson's coaching staff. However, you can't deny Smith-Njigba's talent.
"(JSN) has a fantastic ability to attack defenders while they’re flat footed and be able to gain separation," writes A to Z Sports draft analyst Tyler Browning. "Superb ball tracker, times his jumps phenomenally and is able to angle his body to best come down with the ball."
If they end up picking him, the Jaguars coaching staff will have to figure out a way to give both Kirk and the rookie significant playing time. Because chances are they will both earn it.
It's a predicament, all right. But it'd be a good one to have.
