Wide receiver Parker Washington had a slow start to 2023 but saw playing time toward the end of the season. Press Taylor, the offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars, stated on Day 2 of mandatory minicamp that he sees a more confident Parker heading into Year 2.

Taylor responded, “Parker is definitely playing more confidently,” when questioned about the changes from the previous year in Washington. “Compared to when we received him this time last year, I believe he’s in much better health. Everything slows down.

These guys don’t worry about my actions, my stance, or how this route will change if they play this now every time they break the huddle. He has heard it a hundred times.” “We provide him with a route and a play call. We shuffle him about.

He is aware of the player’s expectations within that specific notion. You can now see the skill set beginning to emerge. That self-assurance is quite important. He’ll keep developing.

He’ll keep developing. Last year, he was setting the fire, moved around a few times, and performed a few plays. The playwright himself undoubtedly gains some confidence from that, in my opinion.

However, he’s still developing, according to Taylor. Washington, a sixth-round selection in the previous draft, had to overcome a number of obstacles in order to see action as a rookie. Early in the season, he was a healthy scratch; thereafter, he was placed on Injured Reserve.

The former Penn State Nittany Lions player didn’t catch his first reception until Week 13, when he replaced Christian Kirk due to a core injury. He had returned in Week 11.

Washington eventually grabbed 16 passes for 132 yards and two scores. Despite lining up largely in the slot, he produced enough in the offseason to merit additional repetitions.

Taylor seems to be taking advantage of his opportunities based on his remarks. On Day 2 of the required minicamp, the Texan made a connection with quarterback Mac Jones. Parker, WR for the Jaguars In Year 2, Washington is expected to play a larger part.

Parker Washington was getting used to the NFL last year, as Press Taylor pointed out. He will be more effective the next season if he has a deeper comprehension of the offense and what needs to be done.

Last season, the Jaguars used seven receivers. Although it’s unclear if they’ll retain as many in 2024, Washington should have a good chance of making the squad. Locks include Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis, Brian Thomas Jr., and Devin Duvernay, who specializes in returns.

The remaining three or four positions can be available. Tim Jones, an undrafted free agent, Joshua Cephus, and Elijah Cooks, a fellow sophomore, will be Washington’s rivals. The fact that Washington has the greatest slot out of all of them is one thing going for him.

He played inside most of the time in 2023, and he’ll probably start there again the following season. Kirk is the team’s main slot receiver, but Washington occasionally should get some targets as well.

It takes players a while to find their rhythm. Parker Washington appears to be prepared for a larger role in Year 2, based on his performance thus far.