JACKSONVILLE – The end is near, and the work has been good.
That makes Trevor Lawrence feel good and optimistic as 2024 Training Camp draws to an end at the Miller Electric Center, with necessary and solid progress made over the last month.
"It's been a really good camp," he said.
The Jaguars' starting quarterback since 2021, Lawrence spoke to the media shortly after the team's final open practice of the '24 preseason Wednesday. He spoke of liking the roster's depth entering his fourth NFL season, and liking the feel of the offense as the team prepares to play the Atlanta Falcons in the preseason finale at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta Friday.
"Every day we've built that chemistry more and more as an offense," he said.
Lawrence that has applied not only to skill players, but to an offensive line that includes new starting center Mitch Morse – a 10-year veteran who signed with the Jaguars in March as a free agent from the Buffalo Bills. Lawrence said he and Morse have worked well together throughout camp.
"The guys up front are gelling great," Lawrence said. "They're playing really well together, communicating. I think you can't get enough of those looks and that's why camp is great because you get to iron out a lot of stuff that otherwise you wouldn't get to see."
The Jaguars, who finished 9-8 for a second consecutive season in 2023 to miss the playoffs by one game, made extensive personne; moves in the offseason. They not only signed Morse as a free-agent, they also added free-agent veterans such as defensive tackle Arik Armstead, wide receiver Gabe Davis, cornerback Donald Darby, wide receiver/returner Devin Duvernay, edge defender Trevis Gipson and safety Darnell Savage.
Rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., the No. 23 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, has improved steadily during camp in recent weeks and young players such as 2023 draft selections running back Tank Bigsby and wide receiver Parker Washington have had strong preseasons.
"As far as depth, I feel great," he said. "As far as talent, I think this is the most talented team for sure since I've been here that we've had. I think you guys that watch it every day could probably say that as well. I feel really good.
"Obviously, that doesn't win you the games. You've got to go out and play well and execute and put your best foot forward every Sunday and stay focused on the main goal. Go out there every series, every play and go earn it.
"But as far as a talent/depth standpoint, I think this is the best team we've had, definitely since I've been here."
Lawrence on Wednesday also discussed the quick development of Thomas, who has been impressive in recent practices after catching two passes for 55 yards in the first two preseason games.
"He's done a great job the last two weeks playing well and creating separation and being open," Lawrence said. "He's done a great job. But I think those reps are really important for us just to continue to build that chemistry to get his timing. Everything does speed up, especially for those guys once the game hits. As many reps we can get together is going to pay off for us and for his development moving forward.
"He's a guy that when he sees something, he learns from it and really remembers things moving forward and how he plays. You can tell he takes in a lot of information and does well with that. I think the more experience he gets; he's just going to get better and better."
NOTABLE MOMENTS FROM JAGUARS TRAINING CAMP, DAY 20
Jaguars offensive coordinator Press Taylor on Wednesday praised the development of Bigsby, who had a strong 2024 Training Camp along with strong performances in the first two preseason games. "He's tough to tackle," Taylor said. "I think that's the biggest part of it. He just continues to grow and be more consistent in what we're looking for." Bigsby, a third-round selection in the '23 draft, has rushed 13 times for 65 yards in the preseason and he also had a 44-yard kickoff return in a Preseason Week 1 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
