IS ROUND TWO THE SWEET SPOT FOR THE JAGUARS TO PICK UP A WIDE RECEIVER?

The Jaguars need a true starting receiver opposite DJ Chark. They could find one in round two. 

BY JORDAN DE LUGO

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The Jaguars have a bevy of draft picks in the upcoming NFL Draft. With three picks in the first two rounds, the Jaguars can do a lot to sure up a roster that has plenty of holes.

I expect the Jaguars to work on their defense with their first pick. Whether it be Derrick Brown, Jeff Okudah, Isaiah Simmons, Javon Kinlaw, or someone else, I believe defense will be the pick at nine. 

With their second pick, number 20 overall, I think the Jaguars could go defense again, or perhaps look to patch some holes on the offensive line. Receiver is also possible here. But I believe with the amount of talent and depth available at WR in this draft class, that waiting until the second round would be the proper course of action. 

The Jaguars have a rising star in DJ Chark. He's able to win in a variety of ways and is developing into an all-round receiver that's at his best when he's getting targets deep down the field. But he needs a running mate. Sure, the Jaguars could just run it back with Chris Conley, Dede Westbrook, and Keelan Cole. But why? Why do that when you could add a legit starter to take attention away from DJ Chark and make Gardner Minshew's job that much easier?

The Jaguars' second-round pick is at number 42 overall. I expect a plethora of receivers to be off the board by that time. I currently have Jerry Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb, Henry Ruggs, Tee Higgins, Leviska Shenault, and Justin Jefferson getting selected by the time the Jaguars pick in the second round. And while this class is deep, that depth does have limits. The second round could be the time to strike on a potential starting wideout. Indeed, if any of the aforementioned receivers are still on the board, they should get consideration.

Here are three receivers that will likely be available when the Jaguars pick, that have the potential to develop into true starting-caliber receivers at the next level. 

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Jalen Reagor, TCU

This kid is something special. He's only 5'11'' and 195 pounds, but his movement skills are off the charts. He's got speed, quickness, acceleration, and knows how to put them all to work. He excels at making contested catches down the field and beating press coverage. But he's also excellent with the ball in his hands. He can pick up big chunks off screens and short-area routes. He occasionally misses a catch that he should haul in, but Reagor has everything it takes to challenge defenses and take some attention away from DJ Chark. Reagor could also take on kick and punt return duties, should the Jaguars need him to do so. 

Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State

Aiyuk honestly reminds quite a bit of Reagor. But at 6'1'' and 206 pounds, the Arizona State senior has more length and a greater catch radius. He might not be quite as quick and agile as Reagor, but Aiyuk excels in that department as well and has plenty of long speed. He's not as well versed at beating the press, but he'll torch anyone playing off coverage. Aiyuk also has promising return ability, which the Jaguars could see as an added benefit. 

KJ Hamler, Penn State

Watching Hamler is a lot of fun. He has all the speed and quickness in the world — he could be the quickest receiver in the class. He runs precise routes with elite suddenness and explodes out of breaks. But there are some obvious concerns here. At 5'9'' and 176 pounds, there are questions about his ability to win jump balls. His durability will also be a question mark with such a small frame. And his ability or lack thereof to beat physcial corners off the line will be an issue. In the right system, Hamler has the potential to be an elite playmaker and game-changer. I wonder if he's the right guy to pair with Chark as he probably won't be a big winner as an outside receiver. 

A couple more names to consider:

Donovan Peoples-Jones is a physical SOB and has ideal size at 6'2'' and 208 pounds. But I'm not sold on his athleticism and movement skills yet. I think the second round would be rich for this Michigan product. 

Tyler Johnson from Minnesota is an impressive pass-catcher at 6'2'' and 205 pounds. He's able to win with ease in contested situations and could thrive in the vertical type of offense I expect the Jaguars to run with Gardner Minshew in 2020. He could be a good fit in round two or three. 

Follow Jordan on Twitter for all the latest Jaguars news and analysis. ​