For the first time in several years, there is a true number one wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars. In 2019, DJ Chark emerged as the playmaker on the outside of the Jaguars offense. Additionally, he became the favorite target for quarterback Gardner Minshew.
However, a balanced offense demands more than one viable option on the outside. Entering the 2020 season, there is a battle for the second receiver in Jacksonville between veterans, Chris Conley and Dede Westbrook.
Jacksonville Jaguars Wide Receiver Battle: Chris Conley vs Dede Westbrook
Chris Conley (2019: 47 receptions, 775 yards, five touchdowns)
2019 was the best season for Conley in his career. His 47 catches seems modest, but he is able to boast 16.5 yards per catch average is among the best in the league. Conley has always been a homerun threat on the field. In fact that has been more of a stigma than a blessing throughout his career.
Room for Improvement
Conley has an opportunity to make Jacksonville his home for the next few years. He is in the back end of a two-year contract. However he needs to show more consistency and avoid the dropped balls. In fact, Conley lacks consistency in all phases of the game. Therefore to remain on the team in years to come, he must step his production to match his talent level.
On and Off the Field Leader
Conley’s experience is vital within the young Jaguars receiving corps. Often he is found before and after practice mentoring rookies Laviska Shenault Jr. and Collin Johnson. His guidance and work ethic provide an example that is applauded among the coaching staff. Additionally, Conley is the most outspoken on social issues among the Jaguars. His demeanor and messages at press conferences have caught the eye of the national media. He is truly a professional athlete and an asset in the locker room.
Dede Westbrook (2019: 66 receptions, 660 yards, three touchdowns)
After a disappointing 2019 campaign, Westbrook enters the final year of his rookie contract with something to prove. Despite being third on the team in receptions, Westbrook failed to break loose in the secondary last season. Westbrook entered the year as the top receiver, only to fall short and be a pedestrian contributor. Last season, he struggled to find his identity and targets in an offense led by Minshew.
Room for Improvement
Entering 2020 season, Westbrook needs to find his place in the Jaguars offense. First he needs to bounce back from a nagging shoulder injury. Next, he needs to rediscover his wiggle and ability to make defenders miss a tackle. Lastly, he has the talent, but the question is his motivation or lack thereof. A year ago he showed dejection and frustration at the lack of targets and play calling. This is his fourth year with Jacksonville and it is time for him to grow up. Time for him to be a difference-maker on and off the field. Otherwise, this may be his last year in town as the Jaguars have loaded up at the wide receiver position.
Final Thoughts on the Number Two Receiver in Jacksonville
The Jaguars offense will feature both Conley and Westbrook on the field at the same time in certain formations. Minshew will continue to take shots down the field with Conley. Meanwhile Westbrook will do his best to stay focused on the field, and do what he does best with yards after the catch on underneath routes. Nonetheless, both receivers will lose touches to Shenault either downfield or underneath. One thing is for sure, offensive coordinator Jay Gruden will provide the opportunities for both of them to shine. It will be up to which player wants it more in 2020.
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
