Moeller: Jaguars' Wide Receiver Issue Is A Pleasant and Productive Problem

 It’s the end of the preseason tonight, and that also means the cutdown day is within reach. 

Sunday is the big day at 4 p.m., and GM James Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen shouldn’t have too many major decisions in their hands. Gladstone likely will swing a deal or two before it is over.

One glaring issue - and it is a good problem - is the Jaguars’ wide receiver room.

This season, the predominant offensive message will be clear- throw the ball.

Heading into the game, the wide receivers on the Jags’ roster are Jakobi Meyers, Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, Travis Hunter, CJ Williams, Josh Cameron, Austin Trammell, Tim Jones, Michael Wortham, Trebor Pena, Ben Patterson, Brady Boyd, and Chandler Brayboy. 

For once, the Jags are loaded with wide receivers and tight ends, as they will play hand through their passing game. It has worked well with their running game in transition.

This has created a potential passing bonanza for Lawrence.

Last season, Parker Washington emerged as more than just a kick returner, and he became a regular outlet for Trevor Lawrence. Jakobi Meyers was arguably the best pickup by Gladstone last season.  Travis Hunter showed some flashes before he went down with his season-ending injury. 

Brian Thomas Jr. has been working during the summer to shake off his sophomore jinx, but the pressure has been dialed down with Washington and Meyers.

The trio gives the Jags flexibility with Hunter, who they primarily envision in their defensive backfield. But due to his potential explosiveness, Hunter is bound to see some offensive snaps.

However, the real surprises in camp have been rookies Williams and Cameron, both drafted in the sixth round, and Pena, a free agent. 

Pena has been the real surprise, catching seven of his eight targets for 130 yards. He has received high marks from Pro Football Focus as an elite rookie wide receiver this summer. 

All three have received high marks in camp as well as in the Jags’ first two games.  The Jags’ final preseason matchup against Tampa Bay will be the final measuring stick for all of them. Williams and Cameron appear to be locks, and it’s a matter of finding room for Pena, who has one more audition left. 

Austin Trammel, who has hung around for the past three years in a limited role, will be dueling with Pena for the possible final spot. Veteran Tim Jones looks like the odd man out. 

 Whatever way it shakes out Sunday, the Jags will have one of their deepest receiving corps in years.