Jacksonville Jaguars: This could be a career year for Chris Conley

After 47 catches in 2019, veteran wide receiver Chris Conley is poised to have his best season ever in a Jacksonville Jaguars uniform.

Sometimes, leaders emerge when you least expect them to. Don’t be surprised if you the name Chris Conley more this coming season for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

While I am not making this story a political commentary, it is evident the 27-year-old wide receiver could be instrumental in the cultural changes inside the locker room this season. Because of such a young roster that has been constructed by general manager David Caldwell and head coach Doug Marrone, Conley is one of the elder statesmen now.

He may not be asked to lead, but it may just happen because of circumstances and situations.

The veteran wide receiver posted the best season of his NFL career in Jacksonville after leaving the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency in 2019. But what fans may see from the 27-year-old is more of a leader on the field and in the locker room in 2020.

Honestly, this is a roster that needs an outspoken leader – one who can ease the pain of Calais Campbell – who sent to the Baltimore Ravens this offseason.

At $2.275M in base salary this season, it could be one of the best bargains not only on this roster but in the entire NFL.

The stats from last year were modest – 47 catches for 775 yards and five touchdowns. However, if you look at the team’s record, 6-10, with a passing game that in the middle of the NFL pack, Conley’s numbers become that much more impressive.

Especially considering the Jaguars could not find the end zone consistently and there is still APB out on the missing work done in the red zone.

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Conley’s speed and size at 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds should make him a big target in Jay Gruden’s passing game. Don’t count him out of becoming the team’s No. 2 option in the passing game is he and quarterback Gardner Minshew continue to develop chemistry in training camp and in the preseason.

Gruden, as he said last week, is still learning where everyone plays and how he can shuffle things up to make the passing game more exciting.

"“I don’t have a lot of information as far as how these guys can handle different positions and how to run different routes and all that stuff,” Gruden told the local media last week via Zoom. “I know Dede [Westbrook] plays in the slot, we drafted Laviska [Shenault Jr.], we’ll see what he can do outside and inside. I’d like to move some other receivers around a little bit, Chris [Conley] and DJ [Chark Jr] and see what happens.”"

It almost sounds like Gruden is looking to blow up the old playbook and make the pass catchers on this roster more versatile. It could mean Conley plays a major role in those moves and vies for more playing time. While Chark is the No. 1 guy out there, there is plenty of opportunities for Conley and the other wide receivers to grab the second chair on the outside.

If the Jacksonville Jaguars do become a more potent passing team this season, then it will be Conley and his other pass catchers in the wide receiver room that make that happen. His sub 4.4 speed is also something Gruden and the offensive coaches – especially Keenan McCardell – will try to take more advantage of this season.