253 draft picks selected over the weekend transformed NFL rosters in a matter of days. Around the League will take a look at the aftershocks by asking one post-draft burning question for all 32 teams. Earlier today: The New York Jets. Next up: The Jacksonville Jaguars.
Are the Jaguars equipped to get Blackmon the ball?
Blaine Gabbert was a jittery mess during his rookie season with the Jaguars, but when you invest a first-round pick in a quarterback, you better have the stomach for it.
Enter Justin Blackmon, a big and physical playmaker believed by many to be the top wide receiver in the draft.
"He's got an edge to him," Jaguars coach Mike Mularkey told The Associated Press. "He's one of these guys who doesn't think he can be covered. That's pretty important at that position with that kind of confidence, that you can line up and dare somebody to try to stop you and believe that you can't be. I like that edge."
The Jaguarstraded up to get Blackmon, a move that gives them a second playmaker on offense along with 2011 rushing champion Maurice Jones-Drew. They also signed Laurent Robinson, who led the Dallas Cowboys in touchdown receptions last season.
Translation: No more excuses, Mr. Gabbert. Keep those eyes up and makes some plays.
Jaguars general manager Gene Smith believes they can be a playoff-caliber team next season. Blackmon takes them closer to that reality, but make no mistake: It all goes back to Gabbert.
