The latest outlook for the Jaguars WRs
By: Jake Rajala
The Jacksonville Jaguars inked the wide receiver Christian Kirk this off-season and it’s clear that he’s impressed big figures in the building up to this point. After Trevor Lawrence praised the former AZ Cardinals WR, Doug Pedersen spoke highly of Kirk, per SI. He stated, “He’s come in, he’s really one of the guys that guys that’s been here learning and picking up the offense.”
Kirk was a slight disappointment in his first three seasons, but he really blossomed in his fourth season. He had a career-high 77 receptions and a personal best of 982 yards last season. He will seemingly be the second (or third) most productive pure pass-catching weapon in Jacksonville. I expect Marvin Jones Jr. (who signed with the team the last off-season) to build stronger chemistry and unveil more success with his second-year QB.
Kirk will join a Jags WR room that boasts Laviska Shenault Jr, Zay Jones, and TE/WR Evan Engram. Shenault Jr. has been a modest WR, as he ousted 600+ yards in each of the past two seasons. Jones was an underrated addition and he recorded 546 yds (including a few big catches) for Derek Carr last season. Evan Engram (Pro Bowler in 2020) was a smart pick-up by Pedersen and he should finally show his true ability in Jacksonville. The former Eagles HC will use him in a similar way that he utilized Zach Ertz in Philly. It should also be noted that his QB has been a noticeably rough Daniel Jones (21 passing touchdowns in the past two seasons combined).
The 2021 rookie QB in Jacksonville ranked 17th in passing yards last season and 28th in passing touchdowns a season ago. It’s safe to say that Lawrence will significantly benefit from a few new receiving weapons (and a healthy Travis Etienne) and a far more impressive coach next season.
