The Jacksonville Jaguars are expecting sophomore wide receiver Parker Washington to take a step forward in 2024. Offensive coordinator Press Taylor recently made a public declaration. The onus is on Washington to establish himself as a more consistent contributor on offense.
"[He’s] not worried when he breaks the huddle about what I’m doing, where is my stance, how does this route change?” Taylor said, via ESPN. “He’s heard it a hundred times. So we give a playcall, we give a route, we move him around. He knows the expectations of that particular player in that particular concept and so now you just see the skill set start to come out.”
Parker Washington continues to draw positive reviews from #Jaguars coaches
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The No. 185 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, Parker was placed on IR in October. He began hitting his stride toward the conclusion of his rookie campaign, including a 61-yard showing (with a TD) versus the Cincinnati Bengals in early December. Washington recorded 16 receptions for 132 yards and two touchdowns in nine regular-season appearances.
Washington averaged 8.3 yards per catch last season. The former Penn State standout had more receiving touchdowns (2) than credited drops (1). Jacksonville's quarterbacks enjoyed a fruitful passer rating of 130.7 when targeting Washington, according to Pro Football Focus. He also averaged 2.4 yards after catch per reception.
The Jaguars could certainly use a breakout season from Washington this year, who is now more comfortable with the offense heading into his second training camp. They've gone through sweeping changes at the wide receiver position. Last year's receiving yards leader was Calvin Ridley, who joined their AFC South rival Tennessee Titans via free agency.
General manager Trent Baalke responded to Ridley’s departure by signing former Buffalo Bills wideout Gabe Davis to a three-year, $39 million contract. Baalke doubled down by drafting LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr. with the 23rd pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. That’s a lot of change around franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who recently inked a historic $275 million extension.
The expectation is that mainstay Christian Kirk, along with newcomers Davis and Thomas Jr., will shine for the Jags in 11 personnel (three-receiver sets). Washington is entering training camp as the consensus fourth wideout on the depth chart. If a rookie like Thomas Jr. initially struggles to acclimate to professional football, however, Washington could see an increased workload.
Washington played the majority of his 239 offensive snaps in the slot (173) last season. That would make him the backup to Kirk, who occupied that position on 393 occasions throughout 2023. It's worth noting Kirk is capable of playing on the outside when necessary, which would create room for Washington. Zay Jones was the Jaguars’ second-most snapped receiver on the boundary last season. Jones now plays for the Arizona Cardinals.
The Jaguars have completely revamped their wide receiver room this offseason. The changes may place more emphasis on Washington and the reliability he can offer Doug Pederson's offense in 2024. While Lawrence acclimates to new playmakers, he'll at least find familiar faces in Kirk and Washington. It's setting up to be a notable campaign for the second-year wideout.
