I have been waiting for a while to do this report, finally, it is that time. Arguably the most fun and quickest receiver in the class, Jerry Jeudy, has made quite the name for himself with elite route-running ability as well as rare change of direction skills as a receiver.
The Jaguars are pretty weak at the receiver position heading into the 2020 season. Many fans believe it is one of their top position needs, mocking players like Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb, and Henry Ruggs to Jacksonville in the first round. Jeudy may just make a case for himself to be the Jaguars’ selection at No. 9 with his excellent film and a strong combine.
Who is Jeudy exactly and what would he bring to the NFL level?
Jeudy (6-foot-1, 192 pounds) has become one of the draft’s most well-known players. At Alabama, Jeudy and his quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, teamed up for 159 receptions, 2,742 yards, and 26 touchdowns during their three-year stint together in Tuscaloosa. With off the chart production, it is easy to see how Jeudy became such a household name.
While watching Jeudy, fans will notice two things immediately. His route-running and change of direction are both the best in the class. No other receiver in the 2020 NFL Draft is as crisp in their route-running than Jeudy and no other prospect plays with such suddenness as a receiver. These traits combined have blown scouts away.
“Jerry Jeudy sauced DB's on a weekly basis" @PFF_Mike 2,400+ yards & 24 TD's over two seasons.
pic.twitter.com/DwYhe53sba— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) February 14, 2020
Jeudy simply makes every cut seem so effortless, toying with Southeastern Conference defenders. This is something that was routine for him in the best conference in collegiate football.
Jerry Jeudy:
– Elite route runner
– Quick feet
– Elusive and shifty after the catch
– Expansive route tree
– Great hand fighter
– Dismantles press coverage
– Solid body control— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) February 7, 2020
In the clip above, Jeudy catches a screen pass for what looks to be a short six to seven-yard gain, however, Jeudy quickly plants his foot twice and is able to easily pick up the first down. Many other receivers would have just taken the seven-yard gain, but Jeudy is always looking for more.
This quickness foot quickness also allows Jeudy to be super crafty as a route-runner as defensive backs simply can’t keep up with his violent cuts. Take a look at this out-route for example.
Alabama WR Jerry Jeudy creating separation selling inside and then sinking his hips and exploding outside to get wide open #NFLDraft #RollTide pic.twitter.com/CnKF1rGZza
— Brian Johannes (@Draft_Brian) February 12, 2020
Louisiana State had arguably the best secondary in college football last season. Jeudy, however, gave them quite the challenge as he caught five balls for 71 yards and a touchdown. With separation like in the clip above, it is no mystery how Tagovailoa found Jeudy so often.
Here is just another example showing just how crafty Jeudy is as a route-runner.
Gorgeous hitch by Jerry Jeudy.
– Accelerates vertically to sell the go route
– Release gets the CB to open hips up vertically
– Drastic, hard stop
– Club DB by the wayside pic.twitter.com/k1Aq3j44c1
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) February 1, 2020
It’s a form of art for Jeudy.
The Jaguars are looking for a dynamic receiver to pair with their budding star, DJ Chark Jr. Jeudy has the ability to play opposite of Chark and in the slot as well. His knack for getting open and quickness will be a huge help as he transitions to the NFL.
With young Gardner Minshew II at the helm, getting pieces around him to support will be crucial and Jeudy is just the kind of receiver the Jaguars love. I expect Jeudy to be under serious consideration, if available, come April as the Jaguars make their selection.