JACKSONVILLE – Jaguars 2021 Training Camp continued Wednesday.
It was the seventh day of the team's first training camp under Head Coach Urban Meyer, featuring '21 camp's second padded practice at the Dream Finders Homes Practice Complex. Each day throughout camp, four members of Jaguars Media – senior writer John Oehser, senior correspondent Brian Sexton, team reporter Ashlyn Sullivan and senior reporter/editor J.P. Shadrick – will share an observation.
Here are Wednesday's "campservations:"
Oehser…
A couple of thoughts to start today's "Campservations," with both focusing on the rookie class. The first thought is that the class overall has the early feel of a good one – with not only quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne Jr. looking good early, but players such as safety Andre Cisco also looking early like he belongs among the top rotation in the secondary. A standout of the class continues to be offensive tackle Walker Little, who was impressive in one-on-one pass-rush work for a second consecutive day. "He's certainly right up there," Head Coach Urban Meyer said Wednesday. "He's a guy who is probably better than I thought, and I thought he was pretty good." Hmm.
Sexton…
I always enjoy pass-protection drills at training camp. I have never enjoyed it quite as much as I did Wednesday. It was as intense as ever, a test of man versus man. But something about watching Head Coach Urban Meyer jump into the fray – almost nose to nose to nose with the offensive and defensive linemen who were about to square off – piqued my interest to greater level. Meyer reveled in every matchup on Wednesday, which also happened to be a day where a winner was declared in nearly every drill. He took on the task of declaring the winner, saying in his post-practice news conference that it's about establishing a record of winning or not winning. I like it, and I like the microphone on the field and the coaches in the trenches. It's an easy way to turn up the pressure and create a greater sense of urgency. I can see up close and personal why Meyer has been a winner everywhere he has been.
Shadrick …
Wednesday was a "winners-losers" day. There was instant feedback on one-on-one offensive line versus defensive line drills, with Meyer naming a winner instantly and it getting announced over the speakers at practice before the next rep. Meyer said after practice that staff will keep a tally of wins and losses for individual players over training camp, and the staff will use it as a part of the process to determine roster spots. It's not the only factor in determining the final 53-man roster, but Meyer is using part of a formula he used to determine starters in his college days. With everything on the line for a player's livelihood, it's only fair to announce results instantaneously so they have a better idea where they stand. Meyer even took a spill during a special teams one-on-one competition when he was a little too close to the action – head on a swivel, coach.
Sullivan …
So many questions on the offensive line. After watching Wednesday's practice, they're going to be more than fine. Left tackle Cam Robinson, left guard Andrew Norwell and Little stood out in offensive line and defensive line drills. Even the depth is turning heads. Will Richardson Jr. had some great reps against veteran Lerentee McCray. People should start being optimistic about this offensive line.
