From PhillyVoice · · 2m
Know your enemy: How did this prospect with 'below average' explosion become one of the NFL's better WRs?
Jaguars WR Parker Washington overcomes 'below average' scouting profile to become NFL's top receiver.
In brief
Jaguars WR Parker Washington overcomes 'below average' scouting profile to become NFL's top receiver. Jaguars WR Parker Washington, a Penn State star drafted as a 'JAG', has become one of the NFL's better receivers despite initial weaknesses. Originally reported by PhillyVoice.
JAGs in NFL
The NFL has a term for draft prospects who lack ideal size, frame and athletic traits but are good enough to find their way onto a roster.
Parker Washington's profile
Parker Washington, a former Penn State star, measures 5-foot-9 and was rehabbing an injury when drafted by the Jaguars in the sixth round.
Scouting weaknesses
Washington's scouting profile lists below-average explosiveness, lack of suddenness, slow route tempo, and trouble separating from athletic corners.
2025 season performance
Washington caught 58 passes for 847 yards and 5 touchdowns in his breakout 2025 season despite starting only seven games.
2026 stats
In 2026, Washington has 65 receptions on 105 targets for 965 yards and seven touchdowns across 17 games.
Receiving average
Washington averages 14.3 yards per reception, higher than Chris Olave, CeeDee Lamb, Mike Evans and DeVonta Smith.
Scheme adaptation
Coach Liam Coen's scheme helps Washington find mismatches, especially against zone coverage, by moving him around the field.
Tight coverage skills
Washington excels at beating tight coverage with sharp breaks or getting into a defensive back's hip to turn him before making the break.
Patrick Surtain example
Washington beat four-time Pro Bowl CB Patrick Surtain by stacking him within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage and adding separation at the top of the route.
Patriots game
In Week 3, Washington caught three passes for 40 yards and a touchdown against the Patriots in a 35-6 victory.
Trevor Lawrence trust
Trevor Lawrence targeted Washington four straight times during a red-zone trip, with the fourth catch negated by an OPI call.
Eagles game
The Eagles will need their defensive backs in lockdown mode Sunday against the Jaguars to slow down Jacksonville's offense.
The big picture
Jaguars WR Parker Washington, a Penn State star drafted as a 'JAG', has become one of the NFL's better receivers despite initial weaknesses.
