Jacksonville Jaguars will have to make tough choices at receiver

The Jacksonville Jaguars will use their preseason game against the Cleveland Browns to assess every position group. Keep in mind that the first round of cuts will be on August 17th, so this will be the last chance for several players to make a positive impression. One unit that could give the Jags a fit is the wide receiver corps, not because it lacks playmakers but because it has a surplus of them.

DJ Chark Jr. and Laviska Shenault Jr. were two of their few bright spots last season. Even though their production was affected by the instability at quarterback, they still showed up week in and week out and performed at a high level. On the bright side, their numbers should go up in 2021 with Trevor Lawrence throwing passes behind center.

To round out their wide receiver unit, the Jags signed veteran Marvin Jones Jr. in free agency. As Viska pointed out in a sitdown with the local media, Jones has mentored his teammates but he’s also a playmaker in his own right, and he’s right. Over the last four years, the 2012 fifth-round pick has scored 32 touchdowns. He’s only had one 1,000-yard season in his career but he’s posted at least 700 receiving yards every year but one since 2013.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have options at wide receiver.

Chark, Shenault, and Jones will be the Jacksonville Jaguars’ starting wide receivers in 2021 but they are by no means the only playmakers they have at the position. Collin Johnson showed flashes as a rookie in 2020 and has shined in training camp. However, the sophomore isn’t the only receiver making noise. Back in June, Jacksonville locked up former first-round pick Laquon Treadwell. At the time, it looked like just another depth signing but the 23rd overall selection in 2016’s draft has made the most of his opportunity and has a legitimate shot to make the roster.

The same is true for Tavon Austin, another former first-round pick that has made an immediate impact even though he’s been with the team less than one month. Then there’s Phillip Dorsett and rookie Jalen Camp. With so much talent at the position is difficult to stand out. Dorsett has been solid but hasn’t been spectacular. The same is true for Camp, who has lost ground in recent days.

If the Jaguars didn’t have that much talent and depth and wide receiver, Dorsett, Camp, Treadwell, and even Austin would be locks to make the team. However, some of them will end up being victims of the numbers game. Three spots are pretty much earmarked for Chark, Jones, and Shenault. Johnson will most likely get the fourth due to his potential. That would leave to two open spots, as Jacksonville will most likely carry six wide receivers into the regular season.

Dorsett, Camp, Treadwell, and Austin will have a chance to make a case for a roster spot when the Jaguars take on the Browns in their first preseason game. But regardless of who stays, be assured Jacksonville won’t be hurting for talent at wide receiver in 2021.