Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver D.J. Chark provided us a glimpse of what he’s capable of providing fantasy managers with in 2019. He caught 73 of 118 targets for 1,008 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns with quarterbacks Nick Foles and Gardner Minshew. In 2020, however, Chark disappointed many fantasy football managers, finishing as the WR49. Will Chark bounce back in 2021 with his current fantasy outlook and ADP?
D.J. Chark’s fantasy outlook for 2021
Chark’s outlook in 2021 looks clear and sunny with Trevor Lawrence under center. Lawrence had a phenomenal collegiate career at Clemson from 2018 to 2020. He finished his career completing 66.6% of his passes for 10,098 yards and 90 touchdowns to 17 interceptions. His career passing yardage ranks third all-time behind Tajh Boyd (11,904) and Deshaun Watson (10,163). Lawrence also finished fourth in completions (758) and second in passing touchdowns (90) in Clemson history.
What could the Jaguars’ offense look like under Urban Meyer?
The rookie is tethered to new Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer’s up-tempo and quarterback-friendly offensive scheme. Lawrence is as NFL-ready as it gets and should hit the ground running in Jacksonville.
Meyer’s comments from earlier this year imply that the Jaguars will prioritize the running game. There will be a high number of rushing attempts from the shotgun and RPOs tied to inside or outside-zone runs. Additionally, play-action passing will be critical for Lawrence and Meyer in 2021.
Chark will be competing for targets with second-year receiver Laviska Shenault, free agency addition Marvin Jones, and rookie running back Travis Etienne. The good news is that we have Chark projected to be the Jaguars’ No. 1 receiver.
The dynamic between Chark and Lawerence could be similar to Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins last season. Before Burrow’s injury, the duo was on pace to combine for over 1,000 receiving yards.
Meyer kept last season’s starting offensive line together. The continuity will help this unit in 2021. The Jaguars’ offensive line is stronger at center and guard than at tackle. If the quality of play doesn’t improve this season, then Lawrence should be concerned about pressure from the edge.
The Jaguars’ offense is underrated heading into fantasy football drafts this summer, and Chark benefits the most. Jacksonville didn’t draft Lawrence No. 1 overall to lean heavily on the running game as the Baltimore Ravens do. The Jaguars are in an excellent position to right the ship offensively with Meyer after ranking 32nd in total yards per game (276.3) and 30th in points scored per game (15) since Chark’s rookie season in 2018.
Fantasy projection
Last season, Chark caught 53 of 93 targets for 706 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. He only finished as a WR2 or better in three games. Chark has averaged 28.5 deep targets of 20+ yards over the last two seasons. He now has the potential to exceed that season average with Lawrence under center. Chark projects for around 125 targets, 75 receptions, 1,100 receiving yards, and 7 touchdowns in 2021.
D.J. Chark’s ADP
Chark is often available in the seventh round of fantasy drafts when you review redraft ADP data from Fleaflicker. He has an ADP of 84.7 in pay-to-play fantasy formats such as the National Fantasy Championship. Meanwhile, his ADP in half PPR formats on Sleeper is 76.6.
Should you draft Chark in 2021?
Absolutely. Chark is best drafted as a WR3 with upside. He is in a great position to exceed expectations in 2021 in an underrated Jaguars’ offense. Chark could see career highs in receiving yards and touchdowns this season.