JACKSONVILLE – Parker Washington is smiling these days.

With reason, because as Jaguars 2025 Training Camp continues at the Miller Electric Center this week, this increasingly feels like the right situation at the right time for the third-year wide receiver.

"I'm excited to keep going and keep getting better," Washington said Wednesday following a two-and-half hour padded practice on Day 11 of camp.

That improvement and approach has been constant for Washington since the arrival of Head Coach Liam Coen and a new offensive staff that continues to be impressed by Washington's versatility and production.

"He can plug and play at different spots and go and execute a wide route tree," Jaguars first-year coordinator Grant Udinski said.

Udinski spoke Wednesday following a particularly impressive practice for Washington. The sixth-round receiver from Penn State University not only had a spectacular 50-yard reception from quarterback Trevor Lawrence early in practice, he caught a touchdown pass later in practice with multiple intermediate receptions throughout.

"When you see a guy who can win consistently against man coverage and match coverage, tight coverage like that, make plays on the ball, attack the ball with his hands, those are encouraging for the play caller," Udinski said. "They give you comfort to give him isolation routes and put him in different spots. It allows you to trust Parker to be at different spots on the field."

Washington following Wednesday's practice spoke of the importance of having shown a new coaching staff such versatility in an offense where that trait matters.

"We're moving guys around," he said. "That has been so fun to be a part of, so fun to watch as guys are able to show how versatile they can be. For me today, being able to play outside, make some big plays, that's exciting.

"I know I can be more than just a slot and it's exciting to be out on the outside and make plays and be just as effective on the outside as I am in the slot."

Washington is expected to be the Jaguars' No. 4 receiver in 2025 alongside rookie Travis Hunter and veterans Dyami Brown and Brian Thomas Jr.. He showed last season he can flourish in a front-line role, catching 32 passes for 390 yards and three touchdowns, and is showing in what he considers his best NFL training camp that he can be a reliable, productive option in Head Coach Liam Coen's scheme.

"This is my first time in this style of offense and I've been loving it," Washington said. "It's just growth, understanding what I'm getting myself into. I'm going into Year Three. I have to continue to take those strides and continue to take those steps. I'm not a rookie anymore and I can't treat myself like that. And the coaches are sure not going to do that.

"It just has been an exciting moment for me to be able to continue to step into that role of continuing to grow and get better."

KEY TAKEAWAY

• Udinski on Wednesday lauded the Jaguars' offensive line for its versatility, which has been a focus throughout training camp.
  • Guard Patrick Mekari, who returned this week after being out with a back issue, not only has worked at left guard – where he was listed on the Preseason Week 1 depth chart as a co-starter with veteran Chuma Edoga – he also has worked outside at tackle.
  • The Jaguars also have worked right tackle Anton Harrison at times at left tackle during training camp, with multiple other linemen working at various positions. "The nice thing about this group is the flexibility of guys who can play inside, outside, and left and right, which is kind of rare to find," Udinski said. "It's challenging for those guys to go out there on a day-to-day basis or even between racks and go from left to right because it's such different body mechanics. You would think it would be simple, but you're next to a different guy. It's different communication but it's encouraging to see them embrace that and kind of approach it with a growth mindset."

QUOTABLE

• Udinski on rookie wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter, who has practiced on both offense and defense the last two days after working exclusively on one side of the ball or the other early in '25 camp:
  • "I've certainly never seen it before, so you can't compare it to anything else. I don't know that it will ever be not impressive because of the mental and physical strain of it. The hope is that we do get used to that eventually. Certainly, right now, every time he's switching back and forth, it's new to me."