The Jacksonville Jaguars are shaping up to have a dangerous and aggressive wide receiver room. Second-year veteran Brian Thomas Jr. (who I will forgive for spelling his first name wrong) had a Pro Bowl-worthy rookie season—especially considering Mac Jones was throwing him the ball for most of 2024. He seems poised to explode this year with the starter back in the lineup (though, perhaps we need to lower our Trevor Lawrence expectations).
Though rookie wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter had a middling game with six receptions for 33 yards on eight targets, he looks ready to up his game in the coming weeks. Third-year veteran Parker Washington had a stellar training camp and provides a level of depth that was missing in previous years.
But the top wide receiver in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers wasn't any of those—it was recent free agent signing Dyami Brown.
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Jaguars wide receiver Dyami Brown proves his worth despite modest numbers
Aside from running back Travis Etienne Jr., no one on the Jaguars offense had a breakout game against the Panthers. Despite that, they still rolled over Carolina with a decisive 26-10 victory. Aside from tight end Brenton Strange—who hauled in four balls for 59 yards—newly-acquired Dyami Brown put up the best receiving numbers. On just three receptions, he racked up 52 yards, averaging over 17.0 per catch.
But his presence didn't end with just his numbers. Brown consistently showed his toughness throughout training camp. For his part, head coach Liam Coen was quick to praise his physicality during Week 1, something emphasized throughout training camp.
"I thought he did some good things. [He] only had three or four [catches], but a big critical catch before the half on a dagger, [and] on the critical fourth down, where he trips, [he] might have had a little bit more, "Coen said (5:26 mark). "He was pissed at himself. And then, he has the curl, which was a good throw and catch."
He continued, "So, the one thing about Dyami that really did show up was his effort without the ball in his hands. Helping down the field, blocking, motions, just doing the right things. I was pleased with his outing as well. And just like with all those wideouts, you want to get them more like. You want everybody to touch the ball. You want everybody to get included."
Related: Illustrious AFC award proves how dominant new Jaguars defense was in Week 1 win
Final thoughts
For the first time in a while, it looks like the Jacksonville Jaguars just might have the weapons they need. Emphasis on "might," since the young talent loading down the roster still has to prove themselves. But with an O-line that protects, and a running game that's actually running, it just might be a good year for the Jaguars.