The Jaguars are the team most likely to trade for Brandon Aiyuk during the draft, and here’s why.
Reporters have verified that the Pittsburgh Steelers are interested in Aiyuk, so most people anticipate that they will be the team pursuing him the most. However, it’s easy to forget that the Jaguars were reportedly interested in trade for Aiyuk as well. Furthermore, compared to the Steelers, the Jaguars are far more motivated to close a deal.
Calvin Ridley, who signed an offseason contract with the Tennessee Titans, must first be replaced by someone for the Jaguars. For Jacksonville last season, Ridley caught 76 catches for 1.016 yards and 8 touchdowns; that’s a lot of production to replace. Evan Engram, a subpar receiver, is their next best option. They therefore have a severe need for a skilled pass catcher.
Furthermore, they have Trevor Lawrence, a quarterback with extraordinary potential, who can make the most of Aiyuk’s skill set in ways that most quarterbacks are unable to. The two of them would make a powerful team.
And lastly, there is a lot of pressure on the Jaguars to qualify for the postseason. They have ended 9-8 the last two seasons, and they need to improve quickly to avoid the possibility of the general manager and/or coach being sacked. Therefore, they cannot simply depend on a rookie wide receiver to assume Ridley’s spot in the starting lineup, as they risk losing him before he reaches his prime if he takes a few seasons to settle in.
There’s still one more item. Trent Baalke, the general manager of the Jaguars, is a complete disaster when it comes to selecting wide receivers; he was the one who previously used a first-round pick on A.J. Jenkins. He is aware that he can’t rely on himself to look for that position. He therefore requires an All Pro with experience like Aiyuk. In the next days, I think Aiyuk will be a Jaguar if he’s prepared to deal pick no. 17 to the 49ers.
