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Jacksonville Jaguars: A New Ace at Wide Receiver?

By Tyler Spinnenweber

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The Jacksonville Jaguars announced the release of 2013 fourth-round wide receiver Ace Sanders on Friday. In his two years with the Jaguars, Sanders played in 27 games with four starts. Sanders caught 57 passes for 539 yards and a touchdown in his Jaguar career.

However, 51 catches and 484 yards were from his rookie season. Sanders caught only six passes for 55 yards in 2014. Much of that contributed to Sanders missing most of training camp following a failed drug test that resulted in a four game suspension from the league. Sanders was also used as a punt-returner, but was ineffective in that regard.

The release of Sanders wasn’t a surprise to many with the emergence of second year receivers Allen Hurns, Allen Robinson, and Marqise Lee. In addition the Jaguars drafted Rashad Greene out of Florida State. Cutting Sanders shows the Jags have liked what they have seen in Greene so far this offseason, who was drafted in the fifth round back in May. The release also allows Greene to get immediate playing time.

After the Jags drafted Greene, Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com said, “They needed a slot receiver to pair with 2014 second-round picks Marqise Lee and Allen Robinson. Greene can be the third receiver for Blake Bortles, and with Greene’s reliable hands, he should be a trusted player to work underneath on third downs. Jacksonville also won’t hesitate to push Greene on the field if he outplays Lee or Robinson.”

Greene was a productive, reliable, and consistent receiver at Florida State. As a junior in 2013, Greene led the Seminoles with 76 receptions for 1,128 yards and nine touchdowns. Greene caught nine balls for 147 yards in the 2014 BCS National Championship Game against Auburn.

As a senior in 2014, Greene set the school record for career receptions and receiving yards. He also set the record for receptions in a season with 99. Greene finished the campaign with 1,365 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. In his career, Greene had 270 receptions for 3,830 yards and 29 touchdowns. Greene also returned punts at times at Florida State and scored two touchdowns in 38 career returns.

Greene proved to be first overall pick Jamies Winston’s favorite target at Florida State and is known for making clutch catches during his time with the Seminoles.

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At 5’11”, 182 pounds, Greene could be the answer as a slot option for the Jaguars. Going into training camp it looks like Greene will compete for the slot position as well as punt returning duties. The Jags prefer to have second-year receivers Hurns, Robinson, and Lee on the outside so the fit makes sense with Greene on the inside.

The Jaguars brought in free-agent tight end Julius Thomas over from Denver this offseason. Thomas, along with fellow tight end Marcedes Lewis, and receivers Hurns, Lee, and Robinson, give the Jaguars a deep tight end and receiving group.

Though size is a concern, there is reason to speculate Greene can contribute in his rookie year. Keep in mind Greene was a fifth-round pick, the Jaguars aren’t expecting big time numbers, but they ultimately hope Greene can be that underneath target Bortles needs for years to come.

Next: Which Jaguars player is the most underrated?

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