Jimmy Smith retires

Jimmy Smith, the Jaguars career leading receiver in almost every category, announced his retirement last week after 11 seasons in Jacksonville. Smith was always one of the most underrated receivers in the league. Although he never posted large touchdown numbers, Smith accrued more than 1000 yards receiving nine times and currently sits seventh on the NFL career list for receptions, and 11th for yards. His best statistical season came in 1999, when he finished with 116 catches for 1636 yards, the eighth highest single season total in each category.

Smith's retirement puts Ernest Wilford, Matt Jones and Reggie Williams into a competition for the #1 job. The early edge would seem to go to Wilford, who led the team with seven touchdowns in 2005. Jones and Williams are both young players looking for breakout seasons, and this might give them that opportunity. Look for Jones to be starting opposite Wilford, with Williams getting plenty of touches. Wilford could get to 70-1100-8, while Jones and Williams could end up with 50 catches each.