3 important questions for the Jaguars wide receiver corps entering training camp
![Jun 14, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0). Jun 14, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0).](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3947,h_2220,x_0,y_105/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/55/01h56hytk70ms1aqg675.jpg)
No. 2 Will Calvin Ridley affect Jaguars WR Christian Kirk and Zay Jones?
Another question surrounding the arrival of Calvin Ridley in Jacksonville is how his presence will affect fellow wide receivers, Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, both of whom were acquired as part of a spending spree general manager Trent Baalke conducted last year.
Even though Trent Baalke was originally criticized for giving Kirk and Jones top-market contracts, they both live up to expectations and went on to set new career bests for catches and receiving years. Kirk and Jones should be even better next season when you take into consideration that this will be their second season in the same offense. However, some pundits believe that Ridlley could take away some of his targets, which would in turn have a negative impact on their output.
On the surface, that makes sense because Ridley is expected to be the No. 1 receiver in Jacksonville but that theory doesn't take into account that Ridley will draw coverage away from both, which will in turn allow them to face favorable matchups. Similarly, Ridley's arrival will allow Kirk to line in the slot, where he's at his best more often.
Last but not least, someone needs to replace Marvin Jones Jr.'s production from last year. The former Cal Golden Bear caught 46 passes on 81 targets for 529 targets with three touchdowns but he's now with the Detroit Lions. Those 81 targets have to go somewhere, right?
The bottom line is that Kirk and Jones could see a slight dropoff in their numbers next season but it won't be nearly as steep as some analysts think it will be.