Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon is an impressive talent. You normally don't get selected with the fifth overall pick if you're not. Yet he has struggled with substance abuse throughout his young career and was suspended for the entirety of the 2014 season.
Blackmon's decision-making and maturity have been disappointing thus far in the NFL. No one likes to see immense talent wasted, but he does have a chance at redemption. Blackmon is eligible to be reinstated for the 2015 season.
"Jacksonville Jaguars general manager David Caldwell said he hoped to hear something from the NFL regarding suspended receiver Justin Blackmon's status for his 2015 season before the NFL draft begins on April 30," wrote ESPN Jaguars reporter Michael DiRicco.
"If that is to be the case, the Jaguars need Blackmon to apply for reinstatement sometime with the next five weeks. According to the NFL's substance abuse policy, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has to make a decision within 60 days of a completed application for reinstatement."
Blackmon's return would certainly be welcomed by Jags quarterback Blake Bortles. Although Jacksonville put together an impressive corps of young apss catchers this past season, a true No. 1 target such as Blackmon would do wonders for Bortles' continued development. In just four games in 2013, Blackmon caught 29 balls for 415 yards and one touchdown.
Blackmon has not made any headlines for the wrong reasons lately, so it's possible he could see the field next season.
"Lots of #NFL folks optimistic @Jaguars WR Justin Blackmon overcoming issues & will be back in '15," Alex Marvez of Fox Sports tweeted earlier this week.
That would be great news for a young Jags team that is slowly but surely putting together a decent core of players. Despite their 3-13 record, Jacksonville finished in the top ten in sacks and displayed an impressive collection of skill position players in 2014. If Bortles can develop into the franchise quarterback the team thinks he is capable of becoming, then Blackmon has an opportunity to contribute to a team on the rise.
