Jaguars Rookie Minicamp, Day 2: 5 Observations on Tank Bigsby, Antonio Johnson and More
The Jacksonville Jaguars officially wrapped up their 2023 rookie minicamp, holding the second of two practices Saturday afternoon at TIAA Bank Field.
With a relatively toned-down practice consisting of 7-on-7, special teams drills and a few periods of offense vs. defense, we could put our eyes on the Jaguars' rookie class one more time before they become immersed with the rest of the roster.
Related: Jaguars Rookie Minicamp, Day 1: 5 Observations on Anton Harrison and Rookie Class
So, what did we see on Saturday? We break it down below.
Tank Bigsby shines
No player had a better day on Saturday than third-round running back Tank Bigsby. The No. 88 overall pick wasn't able to show off what he can do in between the tackles yet since the practice consisted of just helmets and shorts, but Bigsby flashed in a big way as a pass-catcher and as an overall athlete. On the day, Bigsby caught three touchdown passes, with one coming on an angle route vs. a linebacker in 7-on-7 and two others coming in the red-zone vs. an 11-man defense. Bigsby nearly had a fourth score, too, but went out of bounds at the one-yard line as he turned upfield and attempted to keep his balance.
Bigsby makes an impression when you first lay eyes on him thanks to his overall size and bulk, with a considerably powerful-looking lower half. And on Saturday, he showed he could complement his natural power and strength as a pass-catcher, showing good hands, feels for zones, and burst out of breaks and after the catch. Bigsby had a very good rookie minicamp and should have the inside track to the No. 2 running back job by midseason.
Antonio Johnson displays versatility, coachability
It is hard to miss Antonio Johnson when he steps into the secondary. The 6-foot-2 defensive back with nearly 33-inch arms was able to put his stamp on Saturday's practice at various points, using his length and size to disrupt passing lanes at various points in the practice. This included one rep in 7-on-7 where he broke downhill and broke up a pass intended for Jacob Harris, with the ball flying in the air for a near interception.
Johnson also took turns in the slot along with Erick Hallett, Christian Braswell and Divaad Wilson. While Johnson shouldn't be expected to play much nickel as a rookie, it was good to see him embrace playing multiple positions on Saturday. After each rep, Johnson was in the hip pocket of defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend on the sidelines to go over coaching points, even seeking out advice after multiple reps instead of having to be approached by Townsend. His attitude stood out in a big way.
Kevin Austin, Elijah Cooks continue to impress
The most impressive player at this weekend's minicamp? Second-year wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr., who is having a redemption offseason after struggles early on in practices as a rookie. Austin was a revelation this weekend, putting his drop issues behind him and catching everything thrown his way, including a giant chunk completion down the right sideline during 7-on-7 where he burned the cornerback to create easy separation.
Undrafted free agent Elijah Cooks also has looked the part. The 6-foot-4 receiver is the tallest wideout on the roster but runs some of the smoothest routes out of all of the young receivers, coming up with two big touchdowns during red-zone drills where he was able to create separation out of his break and create an easy target for his quarterback. He had a very impressive weekend.
Tyler Lacy shows off during team drills while Brenton Strange has a day of rest
Two important rookies for the Jaguars' depth this season will be fourth-round defensive lineman Tyler Lacy and second-round tight end Brenton Strange. The weekend was a positive one for both, though Strange's was mostly due to his strong practice on Friday after he was held out of most drills on Saturday. Strange began the practice but limped after a special teams drill and was held out of the rest of practice as a precaution, though with no serious injury.
Lacy, meanwhile, had a strong showing throughout team drills. Spending his time with the interior defensive line and mostly playing defensive end in the Jaguars' 3-4 front, Lacy got good interior push throughout the day to collapse the pocket and put pressure on the quarterback. Lacy was able to disrupt his fair share of plays, including adding a batted pass at the line of scrimmage.
Anton Harrison vs. Yasir Abdullah becomes appointment viewing
If Saturday's practice showed us anything, it is that first-round offensive tackle Anton Harrison and fifth-round pass-rusher Yasir Abdullah will be a premium matchup during pass-rush drills in training camp later this summer. The duo faced off several times on Saturday, with the pair splitting wins during four reps against one another.
Abdullah showed off his incredible burst off the ball and overall speed and flexibility by beating Harrison around the corner with a speed rush on his first rep, while Harrison was able to easily shut down two inside counter-moves from Abdullah on following reps. The young trench players have athletic and physical skill sets that should make for some interesting battles when pads officially come on.
