Jacksonville Jaguars: Could these 3 backups be stars elsewhere?

2. Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Collin Johnson

Looking back, it’s possible that wide receiver was the Jaguars’ biggest strength last season. Even though the team lacked stability at quarterback, DJ Chark Jr., Laviska Shenault Jr., and Keelan Cole posted respectable numbers. If that wasn’t enough, Collin Johnson displayed flashes when he was given the change. The Texas product appeared in 14 games and hauled in 18 receptions for 272 yards and two touchdowns.

Most of Johnson’s 2020 production came in Weeks 11 and 12. In that two-game span, he caught eight passes for 162 yards and one touchdown. Also, earned aPro Football Focus grade of 73.4, the highest among Jaguars rookies. In spite of his flashes, the former Longhorn may currently be the fourth or fifth receiving option on the depth chart.

The Jags let Cole walk in free agency but signed Marvin Jones Jr. The former Detriot Lion will start opposite of Chark while Shenault is poised to be the third receiving option. Johnson will now have to compete with Phillip Dorsett (another free agent addition) for the number four spot.

Unless injuries hit the Jaguars’ wide receiver corps, Johnson won’t see the field as much as he would probably like this upcoming season. This goes on to show how well-rounded the unit. On the other hand, Johnson could be a fine fine starter in Jacksonville but he’s currently stuck behind Chark, Jones, Shenault, and possibly Dorsett.

This will make it difficult for the 2020 fifth-round pick to stand out in 2021 even though Jaguars legend Jimmy Smith believes he could be special.