5 Things We Learned at Jaguars OTAs: Progress of Trevor Lawrence, Calvin Ridley and More
This time next week, the Jacksonville Jaguars will be holding mandatory veteran minicamp along with most of the NFL's 31 other teams.
With voluntary Organized Team Activities wrapping up this week -- and with local media able to observe three such practices -- we can now reflect on what the 2023 OTAs meant for the Jaguars.
It is worth noting that OTAs are practices held in just helmets and shorts, with physical contact greatly limited per CBA rules. In short, it is probably the most relaxed practices NFL players attend.
With that said, here are five things we learned at OTAs.
Calvin Ridley looks like the real deal
Calvin Ridley isn't yet going 100% in Jaguars' practices as they work through a controlled tempo and try to ensure they ease him back into things. That is a scary thought, though, considering just how explosive Ridley has looked even in a toned-down setting. For any concerns that Ridley would be rusty after a long period off the field, Ridley has looked like the ultimate weapon during OTAs.
From his hands to his quick feet to his masterful approach to route running, Ridley has looked like the real deal and more. Whether he receives the volume of targets that a traditional No. 1 receiver sees is up in the air since he has to compete with Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, Evan Engram, and to a lesser extent Jamal Agnew for the ball, but the talent and physical ability isn't a question whatsoever.
The Jaguars need more pass-rush help but aren't going to rush into any deal
If there is one position group that should concern the Jaguars entering training camp, it should be the EDGE room. The Jaguars have their starters in Josh Allen and Travon Walker, but the 2022 season showed that they can't just rely on them alone. The Jaguars' were among the best defenses in the NFL last year in terms of pressure rate because they had a deep EDGE group thanks to versatile veterans like Arden Key and Dawuane Smoot, but neither is on the 2023 roster.
Instead, the Jaguars' depth at EDGE consists of K'Lavon Chaisson, Jordan Smith, De'Shaan Dixon, and rookie Yasir Abdullah. That is three veterans with a combined three career sacks and a rookie. The Jaguars clearly aren't going to rush to sign a pass-rusher, which is a minor surprise after they didn't address the position early in the NFL Draft. The Jaguars need more pass-rush help and they need it soon, but it remains to be seen when that will happen and how.
For the first time in his NFL career, Trevor Lawrence can just play
It goes without saying that Trevor Lawrence took a giant leap in 2022. An even bigger one should be expected this year, though, as Lawrence can shut his brain off and just play football for the first time in his NFL career. Lawrence's rookie year was an unmitigated disaster due to the Urban Meyer debacle, while 2022 was all about learning Doug Pederson's offense and how to simply play quarterback in the NFL.
Lawrence knows the offense like the back of his hand now. And outside of new wide receiver Calvin Ridley -- who has a chance to be the best skill player on the team -- Lawrence has perfect chemistry with his supporting cast. For the first time in years, Lawrence isn't having information flooded into his brain as he attempts to learn a new scheme and new teammates. For the first time, Lawrence can just focus on playing ... and that should scare the NFL.
Jaguars' depth across the board has improved compared to a year ago
The leaps the Jaguars' roster has taken over the last several seasons is staggering. This is by far the most talented and deep roster I have seen the Jaguars trot out in five offseasons covering the team, blowing the 2020 and 2021 squads out of the water in terms of pure talent, while also having better depth than the 2019 and 2022 teams.
The 2020 and 2021 rosters were, simply put, not NFL-caliber teams. They finished with the No. 1 pick because they were the worst teams in the NFL. The 2022 roster took an obvious leap after a big year of spending in free-agency, while the 2019 roster was one that wasn't particularly deep but did have some star power in the form of Calais Campbell, Yannick Ngaoue, and, for a short time, Jalen Ramsey.
With that said, this Jaguars' roster simply looks different. The running back and tight end positions are deeper than any other year; same goes for wide receiver, interior defensive line, safety, and inside linebacker. There are some areas of concern such as cornerback and outside linebacker, but this is the most complete Jaguars roster in years.
2021 draft class is taking the reins of the franchise
The kids have all grown up. The Jaguars' 2021 draft class has always looked like it was set to be one of the most important in franchise history, and the group is taking a key step in its third season. After weathering the Urban Meyer storm as rookies and then learning how to be true professionals in 2022, the Jaguars' 2021 class is now able to take the reins of the franchise and the locker room.
From Trevor Lawrence to Tyson Campbell to Walker Little to Andre Cisco, the Jaguars' third-year players have all demonstrated clear leadership qualities this offseason. This is Lawrence's offense (and team), and he has begun to make that clear as the leader of the locker room, something he couldn't do as a rookie and something that had to take a potential backseat to his development last year.
As for Campbell, Little, Cisco, and the rest of the draft class (Travis Etienne, Jordan Smith, Luke Farrell), the maturation of the class is apparent for anyone who lays eyes. These are all players who were relatively quiet during their first two seasons due to circumstances. Now that they have some experience and confidence, they are starting to demonstrate why they are the future of the locker room.
