JACKSONVILLE – Jaguars 2024 Training Camp continued Wednesday.
It was the 16th day of the third training camp under Head Coach Doug Pederson, featuring a padded, contact practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Miller Electric Center. Each day throughout camp, members of Jaguars Media – senior writer John Oehser, senior correspondent Brian Sexton, senior reporter/editor J.P. Shadrick and team reporter Kai Stevens – will share an observation.
Here are Wednesday's "campservations:"
John Oehser, Jaguars Senior Writer…
This was a hot, intense practice – as might be expected in the Jaguars' first dual practice of '24 camp. While the strong Tampa Bay defensive front – and an epically strong Vita Vea – had a strong day against the Jaguars' interior offensive line, Jaguars rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. had another strong day. Thomas' 50-ish-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Trevor Lawrence was probably the Jaguars' highlight Wednesday, but it's not so much what Thomas did during this one practice that's encouraging. The No. 23 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, Thomas has looked increasingly confident in recent practices – and that confidence has produced fewer drops, less uncertainty and more impressive moments. He seems to be finding his way quickly, which bodes well for an already impressive receiving group.
Brian Sexton, Jaguars Senior Correspondent …
There is almost too much to analyze when two teams practice, so I focused on the Jaguars' deepest unit. The Jags' defensive line didn't play well against the Buccaneers in Tampa December. Quarterback Baker Mayfield was barely pressured as the Buccaneers built a 30-0 third-quarter lead, and it was difficult to watch a talented Jaguars defensive line struggle. The group did not struggle Wednesday. The edge rushers were as good as advertised and it was great to see some depth behind Jaguars tackles DaVon Hamilton and Roy Robertson-Harris as rookie Maason Smith made his presence felt. The big takeaway from the 15 minutes I spent watching was this unit is really good and there are a lot of pieces for defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen to use. And that's without seeing defensive lineman Arik Armstead on the field.
J.P. Shadrick, Jaguars Senior Reporter/Editor…
The Buccaneers and Jaguars brought a different energy to the practice field Wednesday for the first day of back-to-back joint practices. Both fields were in action at both ends at one point, with seven-on-seven work on one end and one-on-one pass rush drills on the other with both teams interacting. The focus was on the work, and it was clear the coaching staffs worked well together to make the practice flow. The Buccaneers' defense is really talented with All-Pro and Pro Bowl players at every level (see Vea, linebacker Lavonte David and safety Antoine Winfield Jr.) – and many times in 11-on-11 work, Lawrence had traffic around him in the pocket for sacks or close to it. Other times, Lawrence connected on some passes to tight end Evan Engram or Thomas. On the defensive side, the Jaguars faced a talented wide receiver corps in Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Trey Palmer – excellent work for a defensive back group that the Jaguars invested significant resources into this offseason.
Kainani Stevens, Jaguars Team Reporter/Producer ...
The first joint practice with the Buccaneers brought a needed boost to camp. I saw flashes from the Jags' offense in team drills. Lawrence lacked consistency as he missed some throws, but also connected on some beautifully thrown balls to Thomas. The offensive line looked shaky on Wednesday. I know they are slowly working guard Ezra Cleveland and right tackle Anton Harrison back into the mix, but Vea and crew had an easy time getting near the quarterbacks.
