Jaguars hot seat: 3 players under the most pressure to perform in 2021

The Jacksonville Jaguars need DJ Chark to play like the WR1 he is.

By now, you might’ve seen a theme on this list. Every player on this list is entering a contract year. Rookies such as quarterback Trevor Lawrence or running back Travis Etienne didn’t pop up precisely because they haven’t played a snap in the NFL yet. Also, sophomores such as K’Lavon Chaisson or C.J. Henderson still have enough time to prove the Jaguars made the right decision when they drafted him in the first round of last year’s selection meeting.

The team’s brass has made sure Lawrence has enough weapons, but they surely expect DJ Chark to be the best among them. Although the LSU product made the Pro Bowl in 2019, he saw his production drop last season, hauling in  53 receptions for 706 yards and five touchdowns. He still played at a high level though, it’s just that whoever was behind center couldn’t get him the ball often.

If Chark played at a high level in 2020 in spite of the inconsistency at quarterback, why is he in the hot seat? Precisely because he already showed he can play at a Pro Bowl level. The 2018 second-round pick is the best receiver on the Jags’ roster, so he must perform like one this upcoming season. Also, the team has depth at the position and if any of their young wideouts step up in 2021, the decision-makers may opt not to bring him back next offseason.

On the bright side, Chark will be up to the challenge. He’s already working on being in better shape and barring injuries, he will have a career year in 2021.