Daily Prowl: Parker Washington is a Contested-Catch Maestro
DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 21: Parker Washington #11 of the Jacksonville Jaguars completes a catch for a touchdown against Ja'Quan McMillian #29 of the Denver Broncos during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Empower Field At Mile High on December 21, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesGood morning!
Jacksonville Jaguars WR Parker Washington led the NFL in contested catch win rate last season (see below). With Travis Hunter expected to focus on defense moving forward, Washington is set up for a starting role for the first time in his pro career. Let us know how you feel about Washington's trajectory in the comments!
Now, for the full roundup.
Jacksonville Jaguars NewsStudy up before your next trip to the watercooler.
Jaguars 2026 NFL Draft Targets: Defensive Tackles (Big Cat Country)
Before the scouting process began, Georgia's Christen Miller was looking like a lock to be a first-rounder but it now feels like there is a world where Miller could still be on the board when the Jaguars pick at 56. Not because tape has revealed flaws in his game or anything, but simply because this defensive line class has proven to be arguably the deepest and most talented unit in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Coen on Valuable Offseason Time: We Have to Get Better..." (Jaguars.com)
Coen said the staff's self-scouting process involves watching cutups of our offense, defense and special teams ... every area, every facet."
3 Changes Jaguars' Anthony Campanile Can Make in 2026 (Jaguars on SI)
The Jaguars were a predominantly zone-based defense last season, with the thought being that having vision on the quarterback would lend to more takeaways for a Jaguars defense that struggled to force turnovers in 2024. While the Jaguars, and no team, will ever be a 100% zone-based scheme, the Jaguars could certainly use more man coverage next year just to mix things up. That should be a focus when adding cornerbacks.
Highest-graded edge defenders from the 2025 NFL season (PFF)
Hines-Allen was one of four players (Anderson, Hutchinson, Verse) to hit the century mark in total pressures for the season (including the playoffs). It was the fourth straight season that he finished the year among the top 15 edge defenders in PFF overall grade.
The 10 best pass-catchers in contested situations from the 2025 NFL season (PFF)
Washington's 65.5% win rate was the highest of any player to receive 20-plus contested targets. Due to his shorter frame, Washington typically had to climb the ladder to make his contested grabs. Consequently, he mustered just 12 yards after the catch on 19 total receptions in traffic. Fortunately for Washington, four of those receptions came in the end zone for touchdowns.
2026 NFL free agency: Best players available on offense (ESPN)
There might be a younger player or two who gets paid something closer to starter money in this mix. Fortner was dumped by the new Jaguars regime, but he had a solid year filling in on the interior of the Saints' line when Erik McCoy went down injured. Ingram was a major liability during his time with the Vikings and continued to struggle in pass protection with the Texans, but there were some bright spots for the 2022 second-round pick, including a de-cleating of Colts linebacker Germaine Pratt in November.
Biggest need for every NFL team entering the combine (CBS Sports)
The offensive line could use some fine-tuning, but defensive line and safety are the biggest needs. Linebacker could be added if Devin Lloyd departs in free agency.
Big Cat Country Editor's PickThe Jaguars' new regime of GM James Gladstone and coach Liam Coen made the loudest play of the 2025 draft by moving up for Travis Hunter, and they don't have a first-round pick in 2026 as a result. Will the former Rams duo follow the same (bleep) them picks" mantra as their old colleagues or downshift to build out the roster with a more methodical approach?
Drumroll, please!
Top 101 NFL free agents of 2026: Who are the best players available? (NFL.com)
Today's NFL MediaThere aren't many three-down linebackers in the league right now who can rush the passer. Lloyd just earned second-team All-Pro honors in Year 4, though his improvement actually started in his third season. His next team should get his best years - if the Jaguars aren't able to keep him.
Auto-retweet.
Been doing some sicko stuff. This is the consensus top-100 NFL free agents in 2026 based on 22 lists I've looked at pic.twitter.com/5ILPCfoRcc
- Justis Mosqueda (@JuMosq) February 23, 2026
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below - and be sure to check our social media and The Feed for more Jaguars conversation!