The Jaguars have received overwhelmingly positive reviews on their 2019 draft haul. And why shouldn't they? Landing one of the steals of the draft, versatile pass rushing DE/OLB Josh Allen at number seven was a coup for the Jags. Then adding Jawaan Taylor in round two, a first-round talent who many thought the Jaguars would take at number seven, was just as impressive. The team also added a pass-catching tight end, a violent outside linebacker, and several other solid depth pieces. But if there's one criticism I have of the Jaguars following the 2019 NFL Draft, it's that they didn't get themselves a true X-receiver; that is an alpha at the position. The team could have added such a player as late as the sixth round. Kelvin Harmon, a player who I had ranked as a first-round receiver, plummeted all the way to pick 206. Why he fell, outside of a somewhat pedestrian 4.6 40 yard dash, is beyond me. Harmon is precisely the type of receiver the Jaguars could use this season and beyond. He's 6'2'' and weighs in at just over 220 lbs. He's a physical receiver but has more polish as a route-runner than most scouts realize. Harmon's ability to win in tight situations and to bring down 50/50 balls is highly reminiscent of the recently departed Allen Robinson. But Kelvin Harmon is a more well rounded and gifted receiver coming out of NC State than Robinson was when he entered the league. He's also a nasty run blocker, a valuable skill in the Jaguars run-heavy attack. At any point after the second round, Harmon would have been a more talented player than any the Jaguars selected. The argument could also be made that he was a more significant need than most of the Jaguars picks after that point in the draft.
What about the receivers the Jaguars currently employ? Glad you asked. Dede Westbrook is a bonafide do-it-all receiver, but he's likely too small to ever become a true x-receiver; the type of player that a QB can toss the ball up to on third down and know he'll come down with it. Chris Conley and DJ Chark both stand 6'3'' tall and possess blazing speed, but at this point in either of their respective careers, they are complementary pieces, not focal points. Marqise Lee is injured more often than not and is battling back from a devastating knee injury that ended his 2018 season before it started. It's not clear when he'll be ready to return or how effective he'll be when he does. Harmon has skills that all of those players lack and could have very well played the Alshon Jeffery role for Nick Foles this season. The Jaguars could have added a number one receiver at 69, 98, 140, and 178, but they passed on Kelvin Harmon with each of those picks. Will it come back to haunt them? Time will tell. One thing I do know: The Washington Redskins are pleased as punch to have him on their team. |
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