Matt Jones

Calvin Johnson might be the only receiver with as much raw athletic talent as the 6-6, 240-pound Jones, who runs a 4.4 40 and has a 40-inch vertical leap. The problem for Jones during his first two seasons has been three-fold: He’s been unable to stay healthy, he’s still unpolished as a receiver (he’s a converted college quarterback), and the Jaguars tend to spread the ball around. It also doesn’t help that Byron Leftwich and David Garrard are among the less accurate passers in the league. That said, Jones was still productive on a per play basis last year, averaging eight yards per target and hauling in three of his eight red-zone looks for scores. Three of those targets were from inside the five, and Jones scored on two, and we’d expect the Jaguars to exploit his tremendous size more frequently around the goal line in 2007. Jones still needs to work on his route-running, and he needs to show better focus and more toughness. Moreover, the groin and hamstring strains that dogged him for most of last season are a concern, especially because he was hampered by a quad strain during spring minicamps. While this particular injury isn’t likely to linger into training camp, susceptibility to soft tissue injuries is a major problem for a speed receiver. Still, at press time, Jones is likely to be the team’s No. 1 receiver, and given his physical tools and that he’s heading into this third year, he’s still a high upside player.

At 6-6, 240 and with blazing speed, Jones is a rare athlete, but is still unpolished as a wide receiver, having made the conversion from quarterback in college. Jones’ route running still needs work, but even when he’s covered, he can still come down with the ball at times due to his big frame. As such, he’s a good red-zone target, pulling four of his 13 attempts down for scores. With Jimmy Smith’s retirement, it’s an open competition for the top receiving spot, and in minicamp, Jones was lining up with the first team in Smith’s spot, opposite Ernest Wilford. If Jones wins the job out of camp, there’s a lot of upside here, particularly in touchdown-heavy leagues.

The converted Arkansas quarterback wowed Jaguars scouts so much with his uncanny physical ability that they made him the the 21st selection in the 2005 draft. The transition to receiver will be a long learning process for Jones, but the 6'6" rookie has the size and speed to possibly make a significant contribution to the team once he gets acclimated to his new position.