Jaguars Notebook: 5 Observations on Brandon McManus and More From OTA No. 4
The Jacksonville Jaguars held their fourth voluntary organized team activity on Tuesday, giving media their second chance to lay eyes on the Jaguars' 2023 roster on the practice field.
So what all did we see during the helmet and shorts practice session? We break it down below.
Brandon McManus shows off his leg strength
Jaguars special teams coordinator Heath Farwell raved about veteran kicker Brandon McManus ahead of practice, noting that he has "elite leg strength," and gives the Jaguars increased flexibility when it comes to field goal decisions as a result. Well, we got an early glimpse of what kind of leg strength McManus has on Tuesday, with the Jaguars' newest kicker booming several kicks in the 50-60+ yard range,
McManus has attempted 72 kicks of 50 or more yards since 2014, including quite a few 60+ attempts. The Jaguars kicked among the fewest 50-yard field goal attempts in the NFL last season because former kicker Riley Patterson, while accurate, just didn't have the leg strength for long attempts. McManus, on the other hand (or foot), was accurate on several kicks on Tuesday that just haven't been seen in Jacksonville in recent years.
Cam Robinson participates in individual drills
Veteran left tackle Cam Robinson was on hand for OTA No. 4, his first appearance in front of media since his season-ending knee injury in Week 14 last season. From being in rookie first round offensive tackle Anton Harrison's ear at the start of practice to working off to the side with the other offensive linemen who are recovering from injuries (Ben Bartch, Josh Wells), it was certainly a welcomed sight for the Jaguars to see their long-time left tackle on the practice field on Tuesday.
Robinson is facing a potential suspension from the NFL for violating the league's performance enhancing-drug policy, but so far no official ruling from the league has come down. Until it does, Robinson's presence will be important for the Jaguars. He is seen inside the locker room as a leader and a tone-setter for the offensive line, and he is still the most experienced left tackle on the roster. Any time he can be around Harrison and Walker Little is a positive.
Trevor Lawrence continues to elevate himself as a leader
One thing that has been apparent throughout OTAs has been the evolution of Trevor Lawrence. As a rookie, Lawrence made sure to be seen and not heard. In his second year, he had to learn an entire new offense, get on the same page with several new wideouts, and also prove himself to the coaching staff and locked room. Entering Year 3, though, Lawrence can be -- and is -- a different version of himself.
Simply put, Lawrence has complete command when on the practice field. He is instructing every single wide receiver, running back, and tight end before and after every rep, communicating with them about timing and the finer points of each route and progression. Lawrence did this often in last year's training camp with the Jaguars' top wideouts as he began building chemistry with them, but now he is doing it with everyone. Lawrence is running the show for the Jaguars and has grown into his voice as a leader.
OTAs represent a big opportunity for K'Lavon Chaisson
There might not be a player with a bigger opportunity in front of him this spring than K'Lavon Chaisson. The former first-round pick has a chance for increased reps as the Jaguars practice without starting outside linebacker and sack-leader Josh Allen. If Allen were at OTAs, then reps for Chaisson would likely be few and far between. Without him on the field, the No. 20 pick in the 2020 Draft has a chance to leave an impression on the Jaguars' defensive staff.
Chaisson isn't the only pass-rusher with a chance to impress this offseason. Fifth-round rookie Yasir Abdullah and 2021 fourth-rounder Jordan Smith will also have ample opportunity to make their mark, but it means more for Chaisson since he is in the final year of his rookie deal. If Chaisson wants to get off to a fast start in what could be his last chance with Jacksonville, OTAs will be critical.
Jaguars taking precautions with Calvin Ridley during OTAs
It isn't a stretch to say there are times when new Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley looks like one of the most electric players on the field, snagging passes at any depth and from any direction. But as the driven and hungry veteran continues to integrate himself into the offense, Doug Pederson is working to ensure he doesn't push the envelope too far. As a result, there are certain periods where Ridley isn't full-speed, but there should be zero concern.
"He is coming off -- he hasn't played in a while, plus the injury. We're just trying to be careful with him. He's done an outstanding job for us. He's the type of guy that you have to kinda pump the brakes with," Pederson said.
"He wants to go so much and so fast and so hard out there at practice that we just kind of have to pump the brakes and just tell him now's not the time. But he's doing a great job. He's picking up the offense well. The times he's working with Trevor [Lawrence], they're on the same page, they're connecting, and those are good things to see right now in the offseason."
