Ryan Nielsen Reinforces 'Depth Chart Etched in Sand' as Jaguars Gear Up for Preseason Opener

Aug 07, 2024 at 03:18 PM

John Oehser

Jaguars Senior Writer

JACKSONVILLE – Ryan Nielsen's mantra remains true this week.

With the preseason opener looming, the Jaguars' defensive coordinator said the approach to starting positions and key roles is the same as it has been throughout Jaguars 2024 Training Camp.

"The depth chart is etched in sand," he said.

Nielsen, in his first season with the Jaguars, spoke to the media shortly before Day 12 practice at 2024 Training Camp at the Miller Electric Center. He addressed multiple issues, including the preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs at EverBank Stadium Saturday.

Nielsen on Wednesday called Saturday "huge" for rookies such as defensive lineman Maason Smith, a second-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.

"Just playing from college to the National Football League, there's a big jump," Nielsen said. "Probably the biggest adjustment is the speed of the game. In practice, you're going, but when it really gets to be game time to put the pads on, we treat everything every day like it's a game day. So, we try to curve that first experience for them to be, 'OK, it's really not that fast.'

"Then, when you get out there for the first time with a player being a rookie or even a second-year player that hasn't played very much, it's, 'Hey, fellas, it's still football, and it's 11-on-11, we're playing the same blocks,' it kind of slows down for them. But it's important."

Nielsen, as has been the case throughout '24 camp, said playing time and the depth chart will remain "game to game."

"It can change," he said. "We take this thing one day at a time. Every single day counts. Every rep counts. It doesn't matter who that rep is against. We're evaluating that player for what he's done on that particular rep on tape. That matters in every aspect of the program.

"You have to put the name somewhere. It's something you have to do. Probably look for a different depth chart the next time. Because this game will be—move some guys around."

Nielsen said the idea remains to "get our best 11" on the field at all times.

"Here's really how we look at it: you make the roster, you're a starter," he said. "When you have a helmet and shoulder pads and pads on for the game, you're going to go in and you have to view yourself as a starter. That's how we look at our guys. That's the process that we're going through in camp, preseason games.

"They're all going to have an opportunity, and so we have to view everybody as a starter when ultimately the 53 comes out. That's how we're looking at it. If you're on the roster, 'Hey, you better be ready to play.' That's the mindset that we're creating, developing, day-to-day."

Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive backs during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on August 7, 2024.

Here's a look at Wednesday's practice:

PLAY OF THE DAY

Wednesday was a relatively short practice with Saturday's preseason opener approaching, but there were a few plays that stood out. Perhaps the most impressive: A perfect pass from quarterback Trevor Lawrence to wide receiver Gabe Davis, with Lawrence finding Davis 20 yards downfield and Davis snatching the pass over a defensive back before getting his feet down in bounds for the reception.

STANDING OUT

Rookie Brian Thomas Jr. caught a touchdown on a deep pass from Lawrence in seven-on-seven work, catching the pass despite good defense from veteran Ronald Darby. Thomas juggled the ball, then made the reception as he stepped into the end zone.
Thomas had a chance for second long touchdown shortly after his touchdown over Darby, with safety Antonio Johnson breaking up a deep pass from Lawrence at the goal line.

INJURY WATCH

Four Jaguars players missed practice Wednesday:

Right tackle Anton Harrison (concussion protocol)
Tight end Patrick Murtagh (ankle)
Safety Andrew Wingard (knee)
Defensive end De'Shaan Dixon (knee)

Five players practiced limited:

Running back Keilan Robinson (toe, individual drills)
Rookie defensive lineman Jordan Jefferson (ankle, individual drills)
Offensive lineman Cooper Hodges (back, individual drills)
Offensive lineman Steven Jones (calf, individual drills)
Left guard Ezra Cleveland (heel, individual drills)

Left tackle Cam Robinson (shoulder) and linebacker Ventrell Miller (hand, no contact) practiced full. Defensive lineman Arik Armstead (knee) remains on the physically unable to perform list to start camp.