Justin Blackmon not in Jaguars' 2014 plans
The Jacksonville Jaguars are not expecting a contribution from former first-round pick Justin Blackmon for this upcoming season.
Caldwell -- "It's not something we're counting on. ... relatively surprised" -- re Blackmon playing in 2014.
— Ryan O'Halloran (@ryanohalloran) May 2, 2014
The former Oklahoma State Cowboy standout was suspended for the remainder of the 2014 season after violating the league's substance abuse policy. He is eligible for reinstatement ahead of the 2014 season, but will likely have to serve at least another eight games before returning.
The Jaguars have heard very little from Blackmon during the offseason and only found out about a one-car accident he was involved in March 15 in Jacksonville due to reports from the media. The lack of a back-and-forth makes it difficult for head coach Gus Bradley to rely on Blackmon.
"Without having contact, we just have to protect the team right now," Bradley said, via ESPN. "We've got to do what's right for the organization, so we have to continue to move forward and project that. We've got to get some guys in here at that spot, and that's why you've heard [general manager] Dave [Caldwell] talk about wide receiver is a need because of that.
"Now, if everything works out to get him back, that's OK. We always will love to get very talented players in here. But it's hard. But we just have to keep going forward."
With the Jaguars not counting on any production from Blackmon, they could look at Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins with the third overall pick. Even if Jacksonville goes another direction in round one, it appears wide receiver will be addressed at some point in May's draft.