In a few days, several collegiate players will look to add to their resume for the next level. A chance to shine on a stage against other elite athletes in Mobile, AL. Yes, the Reese’s Senior Bowl is set for Saturday, January 25, 2020, and all of the NFL front offices will be watching, including the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Furthermore, Jaguars fans should be watching too.
With the amount of financial burden of the current roster, the need to build through the draft is crucial. The team needs to find some instant playmakers in the middle rounds to compete in 2020. The Senior Bowl will showcase three receivers that are sure to be on the radar this weekend for the Jaguars.
Senior Bowl: Mid-Round Receivers for Jacksonville Jaguars
Michael Pittman Jr., USC
Height: 6’4″ Weight: 215 (North Team)
The son of longtime NFL running back Michael Pittman Sr., Pittman Jr. has the tools and pedigree for success at the next level. After suffering through injuries early in his career at USC, Pittman began to show flashes in 2018. Fortunately his decision to return to USC for his season paid off. He had 101 receptions for 1,275 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Trojans. He was a second-team consensus All-American and a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award as the most outstanding receiver in college.
Pittman has the frame to add some weight leading into camp. On the field, he is able to use his body to make catches over defenders. A solid red-zone target, something the Jaguars lacked in 2019. Leading up to the Combine, Pittman needs to increase his speed and aggressiveness for the next level. It’s something to keep an eye on for the months to come, starting on Saturday in Mobile.
Van Jefferson, Florida
Height: 6’2″ Weight: 192 (South Team)
After transferring from Ole Miss, Jefferson quickly looked to become one of the top receivers for the Florida Gators in 2018. Although the Gators possessed a talented group of receivers, Jefferson emerged as the most complete among the group. There were several mouths to feed on the Florida offense, so Jefferson’s stats (84 receptions 1,160 yards in two seasons) do not measure up to other receivers in the draft. However, the Senior Bowl is an opportunity he must take full advantage of on Saturday.
Similarly to Pittman, Jefferson is the son of a former NFL wide receiver, Shawn Jefferson. Which most likely assisted Jefferson’s development as a polished route runner. In addition, his knowledge of the game compliments his above-average speed and hands. He has the drive and the work ethic needed for success in the NFL. He is coachable and willing to get better every week. Additionally, he can shine on special teams as a gunner and make an impact in that facet of the game.
Jauan Jennings, Tennessee
Height: 6’3″ Weight: 205 (South Team)
Perhaps the most dynamic receiver in this group is the explosive Jauan Jennings (59 receptions for 969 yards in 2019). Despite years of inadequate quarterback play on Rocky Top, Jennings completed his career as the fifth-leading receiver in Tennessee Volunteer history.
Jennings’ career almost did not come to fruition because of a profanity-laced rant on social media about the coaching staff in 2017. He was kicked off the team and became an afterthought. Later, Jennings was reinstated by new coach Jeremy Pruitt amid controversy.
Questions are sure to continue to arise about his maturity as the draft approaches. In addition to the social media incident, there was an ugly incident in the season finale against Vanderbilt. However, Saturday is an opportunity for him to show his unique gifts as a receiver to the Jaguars on the field.
Last Word on Mid-Round Receivers
So tune into the Senior Bowl on Saturday. Undoubtedly the biggest challenge the Jaguars were unable to overcome in 2019 was the ability to score in the red zone. The need exists for another receiver to complement rising star D.J. Chark on the other side. A quarterback needs options, right? Sure the Jaguars have plenty of holes to fill early in the draft. However if one from this trio falls to the mid-rounds, the Jaguars could snag them for the future.
