The Jacksonville Jaguars have several needs in the draft. However, wide receiver isn’t one of them. Despite that, they could still afford to take advantage of this year’s solid class at the position, and most NFL journalists have them snagging a speed threat in the top-5 rounds or so.
When considering the history of Urban Meyer and his offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, it feels like the probability of the Jags drafting a receiver could be at 50% at the least. During the offseason, they’ve met with various receivers (as all teams have), and Clemson receiver Amari Rodgers can now be added to the list.
In a recent interview with Kelly Gramlich of The Roar (Clemson’s flagship sports station), Rodgers stated that he had met with the Jags last week for a meeting that went “very well.” He also added that the Jags had an interesting comparison for him in the process and it was to a name Gators fans are very familiar with in former receiver Percy Harvin.
We asked @arodgers_3 which team has stood out to him in the interview process. Here was his answer on #OOB:
"The Jaguars told me they see me as a Percy Harvin type player. I had a interview with them last week and it went really well."
Clemson fans right now 👀👀
— Kelly Gramlich (@kellygramlich) April 14, 2021
When considering Meyer’s is connection to the Gators, this comparison makes sense. It’s also not shocking that Meyer could be looking for a Harvin-like player to plug into his offense and put pressure on opposing defenses.
The Jags already have some skill players who are ascending in DJ Chark, Laviska Shenault, James Robinson, and Collin Johnson. However, adding Rodgers to the mix would give the Jags a player they could designate to the slot and maybe even use out of the backfield. That would allow Chark, Shenault, and Johnson to predominantly be X and Z receivers.
If the Jags were to select Rodgers, their fifth selection (No. 65) could be the spot to do it as he has third-round projections. Drafting him would give the Jags the chance to pair presumptive No. 1 pick Trevor Lawrence with his top receiver of 2020, as Rodgers led the Tigers through the air with 77 catches for 1,020 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.