Jaguars Training Camp, Day 12: Observations on DaVon Hamilton, Tight End Room and More
Day 12 of training camp is in the books for the Jacksonville Jaguars, with the Jaguars returning from an off day for another day of practice at the Miller Electric Center on Wednesday. This time, though, the Jaguars were in shells after a physical practice on Monday.
What all did see in the toned-down practice? We break it down below.
DaVon Hamilton continues his best camp as a pro
DaVon Hamilton has been a mainstay at Jaguars training camps in recent years, participating in each of the last four ever since he was made a third-round pick in 2020. And since then, Hamilton has practiced much like he performs on Sundays: consistently. This year, though, Hamilton has seemingly taken his game to another level, something that was reflected in Wednesday's practice.
Hamilton, who has had dominant reps in one-on-ones throughout camp, was able to provide constant pressure in team drills, including a would-be sack of Trevor Lawrence. He also nearly made one of the most impressive and athletic plays of camp on an almost-interception of Lawrence that he dropped at the final second. Hamilton has turned his game up to another level so far in 2023.
"DaVon really showed up last year, that’s why he got the extension. We wanted to keep him around," Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said.
"He’s one of the guys, one of the leaders on the team and on the defense. He’s a big, powerful guy in there as a D-lineman. He can generate some push, and that’s what you want in the middle of your pocket. He’s really a good run defender. We’ve seen the same things this camp with him when the pads are on and his physicality and what he brings to the D-line.”
Tyson Campbell takes a step in concussion protocol
Jaguars cornerback Tyson Campbell is arguably the building block of the defense, so all eyes can be expected to be on the third-year cornerback until he is cleared to return to practice. Campbell went into concussion protocol on Saturday after a collision with Christian Kirk, but the Jaguars did see Campbell take an important step toward returning on Wednesday.
“Tyson is doing well. He’s still in the protocol. Part of that is actual practice time," Pederson said. "He’ll be on the grass today in uniform, dressed, he’ll be in an orange jersey. Limited, no contact really. Hopefully he passes that and has a good day today.”
Campbell went through individual drills with the rest of the defensive backs on Wednesday and then ran wind sprints during team drills. It seems as if he is inching closer to a return and there should not be any concern of the star cornerback missing actual playing time, sans preseason games.
Jaguars continue to explore cornerback depth
The Jaguars are trying their best to take advantage of the cornerback reps left on the field in Campbell's absence. They have seemingly had a different cornerback take snaps with the first team defense in each practice since Campbell's injury. Chris Claybrooks got the nod on Sunday, Montaric Brown got it on Monday, and on Wednesday it belonged to Tevaughn Campbell.
"Really, that whole group. You got TC [CB Tyson Campbell], you got Buster [CB Montaric Brown], Greg Junior [CB Gregory Junior], just a variety of guys," Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell said on Monday. "Divaad [CB Divaad Wilson] is a guy that can possibility get in there. Just extra guys being able to get more reps and that’ll come with more practice and as training camp goes on.”
It seems like a legitimate competition to see who the top backup on the outside is, with seemingly none of the top three options having a leg up. It will be interesting to see which cornerback gets the nod vs. the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday as the Jaguars continue to explore all of their internal options.
Tight ends remain a key focus
The tight end room has been one of the most impressive position groups on the roster in camp this fall, with Evan Engram, Gerrit Prince, Luke Farrell, and Brenton Strange all making plays at one point or another. This has led to some practices having the tight ends be a true focus of the passing game on that particular day, something that appeared to be the case on Wednesday.
Engram saw a ton of targets from Trevor Lawrence and his role should be expected to be the exact same as a year ago. While Calvin Ridley will absorb Marvin Jones' targets and some of Zay Jones', it is hard to imagine he takes many of Engram's. Wednesday also saw the rest of the group get involved, while even Josh Pederson caught a long touchdown at the end of practice to round out a productive day for the room.
Play of the Day
The best play of the day was maybe the best defensive play of all of training camp, with cornerback Chris Claybrooks making a leaping one-handed grab near the sideline to intercept C.J. Beathard during team drills.
Other notes
- Blake Hance continues to take first-team reps at left guard with Tyley Shatley not yet cleared to return.
- Doug Pederson said Anton Harrison will play Saturday and will likely play longer than the other offensive starters.
- Tim Jones had two tough drops on wide-open throws. The receiver battle looks like it is heating up.
- Sammis Reyes did not practice for the fourth consecutive day.
