The Jacksonville Jaguars seem to be going all-in on young Gardner Minshew II. Last season, Minshew surprised all by having one of the more promising seasons at quarterback in recent history for Jacksonville.
During his rookie campaign, Minshew developed an instant connection with second-year receiver D.J. Chark Jr. Along with Chark, Dede Westbrook, Chris Conley, and Keelan Cole are the other notables in the receiver room. However, the team still lacks a true No. 1 receiver.
While Chark may become that in 2020, the team would still be doing themselves a huge favor by adding some extra weapons to Minshew’s arsenal. Here are the top-5 receivers in the draft and how they could fit in Jay Gruden’s offense:
Henry Ruggs III
For my money, Ruggs is the best receiver in the 2020 class. He’s a blend of incredible speed and play-making ability. Ruggs’ touchdown production has been unprecedented and it’s one of my main draws to him. He’s a bit thinner of a receiver but has incredible hands and goes up to snatch balls on a regular basis. While the Jags’ front office could fall in love with his speed, it’s hard to see a scenario where Ruggs becomes a Jaguar, unless of course, he falls to No. 20.
CeeDee Lamb
CeeDee Lamb has the perfect body-type and play style for what the Jaguars need at receiver. Often compared to old AFC South rival and Jaguar fan-favorite, DeAndre Hopkins, Lamb brings a physical focus to his game. The Jaguars have speed loaded across their receiver room, but Lamb would bring a more physical presence to the mix.
Jerry Jeudy
Jeudy is likely the best fit in Jacksonville. He has everything the team seems to want in a receiver: excellent route-running skills and speed. Westbrook, Conley, and Chark all brought 4.3 speed with them when they arrived in Jacksonville, and while Jeudy didn’t quite run that fast, he is amongst the quickest receivers in the class. As Carter Donnick of the Draft Network stated, “Jeudy can stop on a nickel.” He’d be the most likely receiver at No. 9 in my opinion.
Justin Jefferson
Jaguars fans, this is your guy. Either Jeudy or Lamb could very well be the selection at No. 9, however, I’d wager that they decide to wait on a receiver until at least No. 20. At that spot, there is no better option than LSU star Justin Jefferson, who is a jack of all trades type of receiver. He fared better in Indianapolis at the NFL Scouting Combine than many had thought, but his game is in his nuance. He’s a crafty route-runner and has the speed and size to both win with separation and snag contested catches in traffic. He’s probably the most likely receiver in this class to wear teal and he’d be a heck of a pick.
Denzel Mims
Denzel Mims has become this class’ Hunter Renfrow. He’s been around and productive, might I add, for the last three years, accumulating just under 3,000 yards and 28 touchdowns. He’s been a favorite of mines for quite some time and finally received the buzz he deserves after killing it at the Senior Bowl and following it up with what might have been the Scouting Combine’s best performance. He’s a red-zone threat, something this team drastically needs after finishing 31st in the category last season. I think he’d be a solid fit and would bring back a bit of that jump-ball magic that Allen Robinson had during his time in Duval.
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