Jacksonville Jaguars: 2016 7-round NFL mock draft

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Nov 21, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Thomas Duarte (18) catches a touchdown pass during the first quarter against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Does Bortles need another weapon at receiver in this Jaguars’ offense? Potentially, because wide receiver is a tertiary need for the Jaguars, as the position has been very much boom or bust the last few years. With their first of two sixth round selections, Jacksonville should target UCLA Bruins wideout Thomas Duarte at No. 181.

Duarte had a strong junior season for Jim Mora’s Bruins in 2015, leading UCLA in touchdown receptions with 10, making the All-Pac-12 second team. In addition to those 10 touchdown catches, Duarte had 53 receptions for 872 yards.

At 6’2, 231 pounds, Duarte has the build to be a strong possession receiver that Bortles may need in addition to his tight end unit of Julius Thomas and Marcedes Lewis. Robinson and fellow wideout Allen Hurns are more of vertical threats that possession receivers for Bortles entering the 2016 NFL season.

With the Jaguars’ aerial attack headlining this up-and-coming AFC South team in 2016, it might make sense for Jacksonville to use its first of two sixth round selections on a strong possession receiver like UCLA’s Duarte to hopefully give Bortles more options to succeed as the Jaguars’ franchise quarterback.

Next: Round 6

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