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Jacksonville Jaguars: WR position will be wild training camp battle

By Jacob Schyvinck

Jaguars (11) WR Marvin Jones Jr. talks with teammate (13) WR Phillip Dorsett II during drills at Thursday's OTA session. The Jacksonville Jaguars held their Thursday session of organized team activity at the practice fields outside TIAA Bank Field, May 27, 2021.Jki 052721 Jagsotas 15
Jaguars (11) WR Marvin Jones Jr. talks with teammate (13) WR Phillip Dorsett II during drills at Thursday's OTA session. The Jacksonville Jaguars held their Thursday session of organized team activity at the practice fields outside TIAA Bank Field, May 27, 2021.Jki 052721 Jagsotas 15 /
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The Jacksonville Jaguars have already begun training camp, and there is a feeling of optimism in the air. Of course, that comes with having the number one overall pick in this past draft and landing quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Getting his teammate Travis Etienne has to be exciting as well, and hopefully bring about a more dynamic offense.

However, the wide receiver position should get plenty of excitement as well. The Jaguars brought in Marvin Jones via free agency, drafted Georgia Tech receiver Jalen Camp, and signed Illinois receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe as a UDFA. It’s a room that already has established starter D.J. Chark and second-year breakout candidate Laviska Shenault.

What does this mean?

The Jacksonville Jaguars are in for an excellent training camp battle at wide receiver.

It’s likely that when the Jaguars line up in “11” personnel this coming fall, Chark, Jones, and Shenault are the three that will be out there. All three players have the ability to win vertically, and for head coach Urban Meyer, that is essential given how he runs his offense. After those three is where the fun begins.

As mentioned already, Imatorbhebhe was signed by the Jaguars back in the spring. His blend of size and speed is excellent, and he thrives in tough, contested spots down the field. Imatorbhebhe can thrive in the red zone and has the speed to make big plays after the catch.

Collin Johnson produced when given a chance last season, catching 18 passes on 31 targets for 272 yards and two touchdowns. Johnson has some chops as a route runner in addition to his great size, and has the body control to make adjustments to the football in the air. His work at the top of routes is impressive for a player of his size.

Camp didn’t have a ton of production in his time with the Yellow Jackets, but had his best year in 2020 as a senior. He averaged over 17 yards per reception in his collegiate career, and is another bigger receiver at 6’2″ and 220 pounds.

There are some speedsters on a roster fighting for a spot as well amongst the big guys. Pharoh Cooper has made an impact on special teams his whole career, and brings a speed element with him. Phillip Dorsett is another to watch, as the former first round pick did make an impact in his time with the New England Patriots.

It’s going to be a wild camp, as the Jacksonville Jaguars are not likely to keep everyone. Imatorbhebhe might have an uphill battle as a UDFA, but his size and speed combo combined with a player who works well on a vertical plane could give him an advantage. Meyer could favor Imatorbhebhe and Camp over someone like Johnson because Meyer had a hand in getting those two to Jacksonville. Dorsett brings the speed element, but Shenault and potentially Etienne (who has gotten WR reps) could phase him out.

No matter how things shake out, it’s going to be a wild training camp battle at the receiver position for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Outside of the top three, anyone has a chance to go out and secure their spot.

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