Trevor Lawrence Faces Biggest Challenge: Jaguars' Receivers Must Improve

The Jacksonville Jaguars' receivers dropped 40 of 417 catchable targets in 2025, resulting in an NFL-high 9.6% drop rate, according to Pro Football Focus. This was the highest rate by an NFL offense since 2021 and repeatedly erased opportunities for a passing attack that otherwise showed significant progress.

What happened?

The Jaguars still finished with 32 receiving touchdowns, tied for seventh in the league. Their pass catchers averaged 11.7 yards per reception and made 57 contested catches, with both figures ranking inside the top 10. Those numbers offer what's needed entering 2026.

Why it matters for Trevor Lawrence

The players already in place need to finish more of the opportunities Trevor Lawrence creates. He earned the first PFF passing grade above 80.0 of his career during his opening season in Liam Coen's offense. The system asked him to show greater patience in the pocket. After ranking third-fastest in average time to throw across the 2023 and 2024 seasons, he fell to 21st in 2025 as Jacksonville incorporated more longer-developing concepts.

What comes next?

Lawrence became more dangerous as a runner when those plays broke down. He established career highs with 48 scrambles, 417 rushing yards, 16 explosive runs, and 13 missed tackles forced. He also led NFL quarterbacks with four touchdowns on scrambles, according to PFF's analysis. The quarterback continued attacking tight windows even as the drops accumulated.

Parker Washington Gives Jaguars Reason for Confidence

Washington provided the strongest evidence that Jacksonville already has an answer within its receiving room. After the Week 8 bye, Washington caught 15 of his 20 contested targets. He finished the year as Jacksonville's leading receiver with 58 catches for 847 yards and five touchdowns. His emergence helped stabilize a group that also returns Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers, and Brenton Strange.

The Jaguars' media panel expects Travis Hunter to contribute in third-down and three-receiver situations, giving Coen another explosive option without requiring Hunter to carry the passing game. Drops can fluctuate sharply between seasons, making some natural improvement likely. The Jaguars should still treat the issue as one of their defining training camp priorities.

Lawrence already showed he can operate Coen's offense and create when the original play breaks down. A few more completed catches would make a significant difference in the team's performance.