Jaguars WR Cameron Happy To Have Washington as a Mentor

Josh Cameron landed in an ideal scenario with the Jacksonville Jaguars, learning under Parker Washington, whom he believes is one of the most underrated wide receivers. Cameron said he is happy to have Washington on his side at the beginning of his NFL career. His teammate's growth as a fellow sixth-round pick in 2023 who started as a punt returner has inspired him. "Looking at his punt return ability, that's something I've really been studying," Cameron said Joe Cowart. "Just seeing how he plays it." Washington has returned 43 punts for 611 yards and three touchdowns over the last three seasons. He set a career-high in yards (341) and touchdowns (2) last season. The fourth-year receiver is currently in talks for a contract extension after a breakout season last year. Washington hauled in 58 receptions for 847 yards and five touchdowns. Cameron aims to make a similar impact in the same role. For the Baylor Bears, he totaled 632 yards on 45 returns throughout his three-year tenure. Jacksonville's wide receiver corps is stacked. Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers and Washington headline the starters, and Travis Hunter will still earn offensive snaps as a dual-position player. That makes special teams the rookie's best path to climbing the depth chart. He had a few returns in the Jaguars' 27-24 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Saturday. Cameron returned one punt for 10 yards and one kickoff for 25 yards. The Baylor product has also taken it upon himself to be under Washington's wing. Throughout training camp, he said he has asked him questions about the offense. Cameron said he's received hidden gems that broadened his understanding. It's the years of NFL experience and wisdom overshadowing what he's learned at the college level. At Baylor, he finished his senior season with 872 yards and nine touchdowns on 69 receptions.  His 872 yards ranked fourth in the Big 12, including hauling in 150 yards or more in two games — SMU (151) and Utah (165). Cameron made first-team All-Big 12 during his final campaign. Jacksonville is preparing for its next preseason matchup against the Carolina Panthers this Friday. The two teams will have a joint practice on Wednesday. Cameron aims to build on his performance against the Saints and has the opportunity to do so with extended reps in the preseason. The starters will play in the first quarter, but likely one or two series as a normal precaution.