By Jeff Moeller, Florida Sports Wire
JACKSONVILLE – Two years ago, Evan Engram made a big splash with the Jaguars when he revived his Giants’ career with 73 catches for 766 yards on a rising squad.
Last season, Engram nearly doubled that total with 114 catches for 963 yards on a team that had their high expectations popped in January.
Now, Engram again will take the lead for the Jaguars’ receiving corps that will have a different look this coming season.
If the Jags are to be in contention, their receiving corps will need to make an even bigger impact than the previous two seasons.
Calvin Ridley, once seen as the team’s next prime playmaker, has taken his act to Tennessee. Zay Jones, another key player in the past few years, was released and landed in Arizona. Jamal Agnew, a key return pan who had his offensive moments, suffered a low leg fracture and is gone for the season.
On the surface, the Jags could be in trouble.
However, new addition and ex-Bill Gabe Davis can be the difference maker for the team expected to be back in the postseason hunt. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to shake a knee sprain he suffered in last year’s final week.
Davis certainly had the numbers, as he caught 185 balls for 3,204 yards for 35 touchdowns in 71 games. He has been an invaluable piece for quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the classroom. Davis also has plenty of playoff experience with one of the league’s top offenses over the past few years under Josh Allen.
“He’s smart, he’s a good leader,” stressed Lawrence. “The way he communicates with the room, he’ll talk about stuff that maybe they did in Buffalo that might be a little bit different, whether it’s concepts or route technique, some things that they did. You can tell he’s really smart, sees the field, understands coverages.”
Along with Engram and Davis, Lawrence will look to Christian Kirk, who will begin the year as the team’s top wideout and effective in the slot with his 57 catches for 787 yards last season. Kirk’s role will be heightened this season.
Ex-Colt Devin Duvernay, who also will take over most of the return duties, will be in the mix, along with returnees Parker Washington and Tim Jones, both of whom should raise their level.
Then there’s top pick Brian Thomas Jr. , who recently inked his rookie deal. Thomas can be the deep-ball threat the Jags thought they had with Ridley. He was college football’s leading touchdown maker and yardage producer.
Right now, the former LSU standout seems like a good match for Lawrence.
This week, Lawrence will begin to make some initial connections with his old and new allotment of options.
How they all play out will determine if the Jags are playing some meaningful football in January.
