It’s no secret that the Jacksonville Jaguars are in desperate need of new life at WR (or life at all, for that matter).  The team has cut ties this off-season with former first-round picks Reggie Williams and Matt Jones, both of whom had nearly as much trouble on the field as they’ve had off of it.  The signing of Torry Holt will definitely give the team a shot in the arm, but given Holt’s knee problems, the team should just be happy if he plays out the three-year contract he was given.  The present has been addressed…now it’s time to plan for the future at the position. 

The team will need a stellar #1 WR for the future, and will more than likely be able to grab one with the #8 overall pick in this weekend’s draft.  While there’s a chance that Texas Tech’s Michael Crabtree could fall to them, the more likely target will be Missouri’s Jeremy Maclin.  Many prognosticators have the Jags targeting USC QB Mark Sanchez, and while Sanchez is definitely a franchise QB in the making, he doesn’t make near as much sense for the Jags, considering the state of the franchise.

The Jags have committed to David Garrard in every way, the most important one being financially.  They have also committed to Maurice Jones-Drew as their featured back.  While the defense could definitely use some depth, those needs aren’t near as pressing as the holes present at WR and along the offensive line.  And with the top three offensive tackle prospects likely to be off the board by the time they pick, the Jags will most likely get the best value at wide receiver. 

Maclin sports a skill set that isn’t all that different from Holt, and would benefit greatly from being able to play opposite him for his first few seasons, all the while contributing with his electrifying return skills.  The Jags could end up using Torry Holt to develop the next Torry Holt. 

The Jaguars’ disappointing 2008 season was one of underachievement.  They are not a team that needs to rebuild.  They have a few glaring holes that can be filled this weekend (OTs such as Connecticut’s William Beatty or South Carolina’s Jamon Meredith should be available when the Jags pick in the second round, should they take a WR in the first), and taking a QB in the first round could further confuse the balance of the team.