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Jaguars WR Parker Washington credits healthy offseason to noticeable improvements
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- Jaguars WR Parker Washington credits healthy offseason to noticeable improvements
For second-year receiver Parker Washington , a healthy offseason has made all the difference.
After a quiet rookie season where he appeared in nine games and started one for the Jacksonville Jaguars , Washington has been lauded by teammates and coaches for the strides he's made.
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He was selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, but was dealing with a lingering injury from college and had an abbreviated offseason. Then, he was injured when returning a punt for the Jaguars and placed on the injured reserve list, which kept him away from the field for a period.
But after recovering and enjoying the benefit of a full offseason, he was one of the most impressive players during the organized team activities and minicamp slate.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (11) turns to run down the sideline after pulling in a pass during drills. The Jacksonville Jaguars let most of the veterans off from participating in Monday's mandatory minicamp session held in the air conditioned enclosed field at EverBank Stadium's Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. June 10, 2024. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]
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"He has a better understanding of the of the system and what we're trying to do and he's coming out of his shell a little bit more," Christian Kirk said of Washington.
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"Another young player that came back in the right frame of mind and excited to get on the field," said head coach Doug Pederson. "I think he's another one that's healthy now and moving around really well."
"Parker is playing a lot more confidently. I think he's a lot healthier than he was this time last year when we got him," said Press Taylor, noting that he's also more comfortable with the plays and where he's supposed to line up.
Washington fully attributes it to having his first fully healthy offseason of his NFL career.
"Two years later, it is my first time going into the offseason healthy," he said. "Being able to have that time to just build on something not to have to rehab. I mean, that's been great for me and I feel like I get a chance to show more versatility when I'm healthy."
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The former Penn State pass catcher recorded 16 catches for 132 yards and two touchdowns during his rookie year. As the Jaguars' receiving core struggled last season, Washington never caught on.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (11) lines up with tight end Shawn Bowman (49) during drills. The Jacksonville Jaguars let most of the veterans off from participating in Monday's mandatory minicamp session held in the air conditioned enclosed field at EverBank Stadium's Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. June 10, 2024.
A part of his struggles was an untapped relationship with quarterback Trevor Lawrence . But the two have grown their bond because of the team's approach to not focus on a depth chart during the OTA period.
It gave Washington a chance to get reps with the starting receivers and explore different roles in the offense.
"Every rep, I get an opportunity with him. I just want to show him that, shoot, I can make plays and just be a friendly target for him," Washington said of Lawrence. "So that's really been my focus, just making sure he trusts me. So if I ever have to come in a game I'm ready to go."
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Washington isn't the only receiver vying for that trust with Lawrence. The Jaguars acquired Gabe Davis in free agency and selected Brian Thomas Jr. in the first round of the draft in April.
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Jalen Jackson (36) and linebacker Ventrell Miller (51) try to defend against wide receiver Parker Washington (11) special teams drills at the organized team activity session Monday, June 3, 2024 at EverBankStadium's Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla.
It's a revamped and younger room with Kirk as the longest-tenured player entering his third season with the club.
"Just as a receiver group, we just want to continue to show that we could be explosive have some fun and I feel like it's going to be good," he said.
Washington doesn't have major plans during the break before training camp begins. But he's hoping he can stay healthy and further the bond with his teammates.
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"I gotta get some work in. I'll spend some time with some of the receivers as well, probably golf a little bit," he said. "I just want to continue to grow on his offseason. Continue to be healthy. I want to continue to get as much production as possible with that."
Juston Lewis is a Jacksonville Jaguars beat reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on the website formerly known as Twitter at @JustonLewis_ .
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Parker Washington wants to be 'friendly target' for Trevor Lawrence
