# 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.
- Title: Know your enemy: How did this prospect with 'below average'…
- Summary: Jaguars WR Parker Washington overcomes 'below average' scouting profile to become NFL's top receiver. Jaguars WR Parker Washington, a Penn State star drafted…
- Keywords: breaking, parker washington, jaguars, eagles, nfl, penn state, trevor lawrence, liam coen, wide receiver, receiving yards, jags, draft prospects
- Source: PhillyVoice — https://phillyvoice.com/eagles-jaguars-parker-washington-penn-state-wide-receiver-know-your-enemy
- Published: 2026-10-08T17:43:17.955+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: breaking, parker washington, jaguars, eagles, nfl, penn state, trevor lawrence, liam coen, wide receiver, receiving yards, jags, draft prospects
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Jaguars WR Parker Washington, a Penn State star drafted as a 'JAG', has become one of the NFL's better receivers despite initial weaknesses.