5 way-too-early predictions for Jaguars 2022 season

4. Jaguars WR Christian Kirk will go over 1,000 yards, make the Pro Bowl.

Just like the Jaguars got plenty of praise for drafting Devin Lloyd, they’ve faced lots of criticism for giving former Arizona Cardinals Christian Kirk a four-year deal worth $72 million in free agency. Heck, the Jags have even been blamed for destabilizing the market but the truth is that they aren’t responsible for other clubs’ finances, only their own and if they aren’t concerned about paying a premium for Kirk, nobody else should be.

Having said that, there is a set of expectations that come with the kind of salary Kirk got and he must live up to them. Fortunately, he’s poised to do precisely that in 2022. First, he will be catching passes from Trevor Lawrence, who should make a significant leap in Year 2.

Also, Kirk will be one of many weapons the signal-caller will have at his disposal. There’s no true No. 1 wide receiver on the Jags’ roster but they have options, including Marvin Jones Jr., Laquon Treadwell, and Laviska Shenault Jr.

The surplus of targets on Jacksonville’s offense will prevent teams from double-teaming Kirk. Last year, the former Texas A&M Aggie lined up mostly in the slot and he hauled in a career-best 77 receptions for 982 years with five touchdowns. Jaguars offensive coordinator Press Taylor will keep using him the same way, which will help him post the first 1,000-yard season in his NFL career, along with his first Pro Bowl designation.