JACKSONVILLE – Senior writer John Oehser's notes and observations Wednesday as players reported to Jaguars 2018 Training Camp at TIAA Bank Field and the Dream Finders Homes Practice Complex …
1.Jaguars third-year cornerback Jalen Ramsey will miss the beginning of camp for the best of reasons. The 2017 first-team Associated Press All-Pro selection and his girlfriend, Bre, welcomed a daughter; Ramsey announced the news on social media Wednesday morning with this statement: "For me, family is among the most important things in my life, along with my faith and football. Today starts a new chapter in my life, as Bre and I are blessed to welcome our baby into this world. With that said, I want to let everyone know that I'll be in Tennessee with my family, and as soon as I'm comfortable knowing my family is healthy and happy, I'll return to Jacksonville to rejoin my teammates on our quest to handle some unfinished business…" Marrone said the Jaguars are "excited" for Ramsey, adding that the team had known for about six months that Ramsey's child could be born around the start of camp. "Jalen had made me aware that, 'Hey, this could be a situation that comes up,''' Marrone said. "We've been in constant communication. … We want to make sure there's a balance and family's important as we get ready to step on the field and start preparing for the upcoming season." Marrone said there was no specific timeframe for Ramsey's arrival, and that Ramsey would report when mother and child were OK and settled. …
2.Linebacker Telvin Smith's pre-training camp podium appearance Wednesday was entertaining and significant. Smith, a fifth-year veteran, increasingly has taken a leadership role in recent seasons – a role that will increase with the offseason retirement of middle linebacker Paul Posluszny. Smith set a confident, bold tone for the Jaguars' season Wednesday when he talked about high expectations around the Jaguars' defense entering the season – and about high expectations for the team as a whole. "I think we're the best team in the league," he said, also saying his style of leadership must continue to evolve with Posluszny's retirement: "Instead of being vocal …. We always said with Poz, 'We knew he was going to be there … we knew he would be doing whatever he needed to do.' That's what my role is going to be. Now, I'm the guy that shows up, that calls the meetings, that's early to meetings, that when guys walk into meetings I'm there and setting the tone. Sometimes, I have to be the bad guy to players. Not saying I wasn't doing [such things], but I've got to be on every time like Poz. That's a part of growing, too, as a player – especially when you're the oldest guy in the room. You have to take that.'' …
3.Smith on Wednesday took time to congratulate Ramsey on the birth of his daughter. "Congratulations to Jalen, that's major … I want to say it publicly; everybody likes that," Smith said with a smile. Ramsey and Smith are close friends, having played together collegiately at Florida State University. Smith, also a father, was asked if he had any fatherhood advice for his younger friend. "Just getting ready diapers – that's the biggest thing," Smith said. "Just diapers, diapers, diapers …" Smith paused and smiled. "Yeah," he said, "diapers." Smith added seriously, "I think he's going to be a great dad." …
4.Perhaps the Jaguars' highest-profile position battle entering training camp? Strong-side linebacker, where third-year veteran Myles Jack's move to the middle on a full-time basis to replace Posluszny has created a competition between second-year veteran Blair Brown and rookie Leon Jacobs. This has the feel of a legitimate competition with no real leader entering camp, making the upcoming padded practices and first few preseason games critical for the position. "I trust [defensive coordinator Todd] Wash," Smith said. "I know when it comes time he's going to have the game plan ready. We're still looking for a guy to take that spot and take it over. We have Blair and the young rookie there. We know it's going to take time, but at the same time that's something we don't have. They're going to make it happen."
