We predicted this morning that the Jacksonville Jaguars would be among the big newsmakers Thursday. That prediction is off to a strong start.
ESPN reports that the Jaguars are looking to trade up from the No. 7 overall draft pick. Their target: Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon.
The Jaguars signed Laurent Robinson this offseason, but their receiving corps remains thin after Robinson and Mike Thomas. The group still doesn't have a difference maker, and Blackmon would qualify. General manager Gene Smith is trying to do everything possible to give Blaine Gabbert support to prove Smith's prized pick isn't a bust.
The Cleveland Browns, who own the No. 4 pick, could be a potential trading partner. Even though most teams are trying to trade down, the Jaguars are in a tricky spot. Most analysts believe there are six top-shelf prospects in this draft. The Jaguars pick seventh, and the St. Louis Rams could be spying Blackmon at No. 6.
And oh by the way: We are on the ground in Radio City Music Hall. We'll have some breaking news from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's draft lair in a bit. In the meantime, we can confirm this draft is actually going to happen.