With Brian Thomas Jr. and Parker Washington emerging as suitors for the WR1 tag on Jacksonville's offense, which players will seize the opportunity?
The Jacksonville Jaguars' passing game has been a big focus this offseason and throughout camp, with the growing chemistry between starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence and his receiving corps being evident at practice.
Parker Washington, who burst onto the scene as one of Lawrence's go-to targets last season, has had a very strong offseason as he enters a contract year.
And while Brian Thomas Jr. projects as the lead receiver in the room, some analysts believe that Washington will actually be the WR1.
ESPN Jaguars reporter Michael DiRocco made the case for Washington on Sunday, noting that he has become Lawrence's "favorite target, and he always seems to be open."
This has been the case throughout training camp, as Lawrence and various teammates and members of the coaching staff have praised Washington for his work ethic and drive.
Last week, Washington was asked about his impressive morning regiment.
"I wake up at 4:30, leave by 4:50, get here anywhere between 4:55 and 5, and then I’m starting right when I get here," Washington described. "Quick change, right on the FaceTime with my trainer for prep, and then if we have our lift, right to the lift."
Washington talked about how this can be taxing before training camp begins for the day, but he said "if you want to take it to the next step and go to the next level, and what I’m trying to do, I have to be able to do that each day."
This extra work and dedication has paid off thus far, with the former Penn State standout looking even more dynamic following his breakout year.
Washington recorded 58 receptions for 847 receiving yards and five touchdowns during the regular season en route to a strong performance in the playoffs.
In Jacksonville's lone playoff game against the Buffalo Bills, Washington led the passing attack, catching seven passes for 107 yards and a touchdown.
Thomas also found the end zone in the game, but struggled as a whole down the stretch of the season.
The former rookie of the year finalist struggled converting on his targets early in the year, catching just seven of his first 25 targets.
Some of this was due to lingering ailments, but he didn't allow the injuries to be an excuse for his drops.
“The wrist is not an excuse,” Thomas told reporters. “I own the drops. I know I have to be better.”
Thomas has looked like he followed through with this promise throughout this offseason, with 92.5 FM Jaguars Host Rick Ballou saying that he looks even better than he did during his remarkable rookie campaign.
While having two players of Washington's and Thomas' caliber is of course a luxury, it will be interesting to see who gets the brunt of the target share to open the season.
