Dede Westbrook the top graded offensive player on PFF All-Preseason team

After dominating opposing defensive backs this preseason, Dede Westbrook easily made it on to Pro Football Focus’ All-Preseason team.

The preseason doesn’t matter.

Alright, with that caveat out of the way, let’s discuss Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Dede Westbrook. By far the most encouraging aspect of the Jacksonville Jaguars otherwise lackluster preseason, Westbrook looked every bit the part of a playmaking wide receiver in his 3 main preseason appearances.

An odd draft pick at the time considering the depth in the wide receiver corps, Westbrook has made it hard to keep him off the field. His long touchdowns were a product of his speed and savvy route running, an indicator that he can keep producing against starters in the regular season.

Pro Football Focus put out their all preseason team and Westbrook had the highest overall grade of any player on offense.

"More from Jacksonville Jaguars NewsJacksonville Jaguars unlikely to pursue Carson Wentz despite Doug Pederson connectionJaguars RB Travis Etienne expected to have bigger impact in 20235 bonafide stars from the Jacksonville Jaguars 2022 seasonJacksonville Jaguars haven’t heard any Calvin Ridley news from the NFLWR Marvin Jones Jr. will give 110 percent with the Jacksonville Jaguars or wherever he plays in 2023Wide receiver: Dede Westbrook, Jacksonville Jaguars, 85.6 overall gradeJaguars QBs had a rating of 157.1 when throwing to Westbrook, as he amassed 13 receptions for 288 yards and two scores on 17 targets. He also did not have a drop all preseason, and earned the second-most yards (139) on deep targets(throws that travel at least 20 yards through the air)."

Unsurprisingly, Westbrook’s fellow preseason team cohorts are a mix of unknowns (outside of quarterback Patrick Mahomes), but the tape certainly backs up the generous grade given by PFF.

Moving forward, it will be interesting to see how the team deploys the former Oklahoma star. Allen Hurns has (not quietly) been floated around as a trade candidate despite the loss of Marqise Lee for an undetermined number of weeks. Even with the addition of Keelan Cole, the Jaguars need to find a good rotation at receiver to start the season.

Westbrook didn’t see very much time with the starters this preseason, but I expect him to be heavily involved with the offense right away. He’s too talented to stay off the field.