Parker Washington Catches Doug Pederson's Eye During Jacksonville Jaguars Minicamp

Parker Washington hasn’t wasted any time making an impact during Jacksonville Jaguars OTAs this spring.

Washington, chosen by the Jaguars in the sixth-round of the 2023 NFL Draft, returned to the practice field last month after suffering a season-ending ankle injury last spring.

The former Penn State Football standout was a focal point of the Nittany Lions‘ passing game last season, and Washington has already caught the attention of Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson.

“We’re excited to get him going and see what he can do,” Pederson told reporters after Jacksonville picked Washington No. 186 overall “When you watch his college film, he’s exciting. He’s electric. He’s a big-play-type guy.”

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Washington was a three-year starter during his time at Penn State, catching 146 passes for 1,920 yards with 12 touchdowns, while averaging 13.2 Yards per Reception.

Some were surprised that Washington entered the NFL Draft this spring, especially after suffering a debilitating injury, but with the Jaguars, he’ll have the opportunity to climb quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s target hierarchy.

At 5-foot-10, Washington is a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands, producing 291 yards after the catch last season. His versatility to line up in the slot or out wide could lead to quality snaps as a rookie.

Pederson sees similarities in Washington’s skill-set to Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk, who is an emerging star at the NFL level.

“He’s got the size and the physicality to block in there and be able to run routes over the ball much like Christian does and obviously a great mentor in Christian that Parker can study from,” Pederson said recently.

Washington will now get the chance to compete for snaps, while learning from top wide receivers like Kirk and Calvin Ridley in the Jaguars’ receiving corps.