Justin Blackmon
will see his first NFL action tonight in a preseason game against the New Orleans Saints. But the Jaguars rookie wide receiver has been in camp for only 10 days, and it's obvious to coaches that he is still trying to catch up.
"He's got the tired legs," offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said of Blackmon. "He's way behind mentally because of all the meetings he's missed. It's a struggle for him at this point, physically and mentally, but he has to fight through it."
Head coach Mike Mularkey said he expects Blackmon to have trouble in the two-minute drill in the game, if that situation arises.
Fantasy Analysis:
Typical growing pains for a rookie who held out for the first week of camp. Blackmon should be up to speed by Week 1. There's no doubting his skill level, and he should be the Jaguars' No. 1 wideout right away. The common worry is that his numbers will be limited by quarterback Blaine Gabbert. That, and the ups and downs that the "normal" rookie wideout experiences have scared me off. A.J. Green and Julio Jones spoiled us. I don't think Blackmon, mainly because of Gabbert, will prove to be anything more than a low-end WR3 in fantasy leagues this season.
