2023 NFL Draft: Why the Jaguars Drafted Parker Washington

What stood out about Parker Washington when the Jaguars selected him in the sixth round?

The Jacksonville Jaguars spent the first five rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft without targeting a wide receiver; which was expected considering the return of Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, Jamal Agnew, and the addition of Calvin Ridley.

But as the draft dragged on, the Jaguars couldn't ignore the value of the wide receivers facing them at pick No. 185: especially that of Penn State wide receiver Parker Washington, one of the most underrated receiver prospects in the class.

"Yeah, I mean, this guy, the size, the speed. His athleticism. Obviously you talk about stretching the defense a little bit in the middle of the field area," Pederson said. I think being behind a guy like Christian (WR Christian Kirk) and understanding how Christian operates is going to be great for Parker to be able to see him, and really how Zay (WR Zay Jones) operates and how Calvin (WR Calvin Ridley) operates."

A four-star recruit in the 2020 class, Washington (5-foot-9, 204 pounds) was a three-year starter at Penn State, appearing in 32 games and starting 24. In three years, Washington caught 146 passes for 1,920 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Washington started all nine games in 2020, being named a freshman All-American as he caught 36 passes for 489 yards and six touchdowns. He appeared in 13 games in 2021, starting seven and catching 64 passes for 820 yards and four touchdowns.

Washington returned in 2022, appearing in 10 games and starting eight as he led the team in receiving with 46 catches for 611 yards and two touchdowns. 

"Having a young guy like this with the ability to create some plays offensively just gives us another weapon, another target for Trevor (QB Trevor Lawrence) and the quarterbacks to throw to. Excited to get him in here and get him going and seeing what he can do."