2nd-year pro Cole emerging as Jaguars’ go-to receiver
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Keelan Cole was a wide-eyed rookie in 2017, an undrafted receiver from tiny Kentucky Wesleyan who ended up in Jacksonville’s starting lineup because of injuries.
He was lost at times, overwhelmed by the complexity of routes and responsibilities, and in awe of the speed around him. He finally found his footing in December, catching touchdown passes in three consecutive games before going mostly missing in the playoffs.
Now, in his second season, Cole has the confidence of a savvy veteran and is quickly becoming the go-to receiver for the Jaguars (2-0).
Cole had seven receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown in the team’s 3120 victory against New England on Sunday. He delivered the most impressive catch of his career and quite possibly the best one in the NFL this season, a one-handed grab down the sideline that prompted TV analyst Tony Romo to compare him to Odell Beckham.
“I’m like everyone else. You go, ‘Wow,’” Jaguars coach Doug Marrone said Monday. “But he has made those catches in training camp. He has done that before. … You look around the league and you’ll see other players that do great things like that or make these (plays). You tip your hat and acknowledge it and go, ‘Wow, that was a hell of a play.’ It was a hell of a play.”
Cole followed with a 24-yard TD reception three plays later, beating cornerback Eric Rowe again and getting him benched. Cole flipped the ball into the stands as he ran into a nearby tunnel, drawing another comparison – this time to Bo Jackson .
“Keelan is just a young guy who can do anything he wants to do,” teammate and veteran receiver Donte Moncrief said.
The Jaguars believe Cole is just getting started, too. His talent and growth are reasons Jacksonville didn’t scour the streets or other NFL rosters after leading receiver Marqise Lee sustained a season-ending knee injury last month.
Dez Bryant? Josh Gordon? The Jags believed they would be just fine with Cole, Moncrief and Dede Westbrook.
All three scored against the Patriots. Next up are the Tennessee Titans.
Cole garnered most of the attention against New England, partly for making the key block on Westbrook’s 61-yard catch-and-run but mostly for his spectacular catch.