"If there is any Jacksonville Jaguars player who boosted their stock this offseason, it is second-year wide receiver Parker Washington," writes SI.com's John Shipley. Washington has reportedly garnered accolades from coaches and teammates for "an offseason of exceptional practices." Washington arrived in the sixth round of last year's draft. He played just 12 offensive snaps before WR Christian Kirk went down in Week 13. The rookie flashed for a 6-61-1 receiving line as the fill-in that game but followed with a modest 10 receptions for 71 yards and 1 TD over the remaining five contests.
What They're Saying
Doug Pederson in early June: "I think what you're seeing with Parker is the confidence. The confidence in him playing last year, understanding what it takes, watching Christian."
OC Press Taylor: "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."
2024 Fantasy Football Impact
His progress sounds encouraging, but Washington will still need help to make any 2024 fantasy impact.
The Jaguars let WR Calvin Ridley walk in free agency. But they return Kirk. Plus they signed WR Gabe Davis to a three-year, $39 million deal and drafted WR Brian Thomas Jr. in Round 1.
Especially with a build and skill set that most closely match Kirk, Washington will have trouble climbing any higher than fourth on the WR depth chart without an injury to one of those top three.
Keep Washington in mind if Kirk goes down again, though. He could be an impactful handcuff-level play.
Consider the second-year WR at the end of best ball drafts where you already have QB Trevor Lawrence.
Dynasty Impact
Washington makes for an interesting dynasty stash. Kirk's contract runs through 2025 but could be cuttable for that season if they need cap space. We'll see what Davis and Thomas become in Jacksonville.
In any case, you'll probably need patience if you hope to get any fantasy return from Washington.