Organize Team Activities signal that the regular season is a bit closer. Pads aren’t allowed and contact is forbidden but it’s a good time for players to hone their skills and teams to evaluate the roster. In the case of the Jacksonville Jaguars, it will help them set the tone for 2024.
After missing the playoffs last year, the Jags must operate with a sense of urgency. Their players are certainly rising to the occasion. In particular, veterans like Trevor Lawrence and tight end Evan Engram already look in midseason form.
Having said that, Lawrence and Engram aren’t the only players making a strong impression. These five have also taken advantage of the opportunity to shine during OTAs.
Jarrian Jones has seen his stock go up in Jaguars OTAs
You wouldn’t know rookie Jarrian Jones was drafted near the end of the third round if you either listened to him or saw him on the football field. The former Florida State Seminole isn’t lacking confidence and it shows in practice.
In the latest OTA session opened to the media, Jones defensed two passes. One would’ve been a long completion if he hadn’t intervened.
7 on 7
Trevor Lawrence would have been sacked. Deep pass to Tim Jones.
Jarrian Jones with the PBU
— Jamal St. Cyr (@JStCyrTV) May 28, 2024
While cornerback remains a question mark, it looks like the Jaguars are willing to roll with Jones and let him go through the growing pains players endure in their first NFL season. After the draft, head coach Doug Pederson said that he expects the Mississippi native to contribute on special teams and line up at nickel come Week 1.
If that’s the case, Jones will start the season behind Darrell Savage, who played safety for the Green Bay Packers but will be manning the slot in Jacksonville. However, don’t be surprised if he challenges veteran Ronald Darby for the starting job in the boundaries opposite Tyson Campbell. Based on his encouraging performance in OTAs, he might have a shot.
Cam Little has seen his stock go up in Jaguars OTAs
Problems at the kicker position? You must be talking about another team. The Jacksonville Jaguars have no such issue after drafting Cam Little. Leaving snarky comments aside, the Arkansas product is off to a promising start.
A sixth-round pick in this past draft, Little is competing with incumbent Riley Patterson for the kicker job in 2024. During the last OTA session, both were asked to make a field from 50-plus yards out. Little’s attempt was good while Patterson fell short. Now, this is just one practice, and there’s still a long way to go but this is the kind of situation that will help Little build confidence.
Granted, the Jags will want Little to win the battle If they trusted Patterson, they wouldn’t have signed Joey Slye or drafted Little. But so far, he’s making the most of his chance.
DaVon Hamilton has seen his stock go up in Jaguars OTAs
The Jaguars have a handful of candidates for 2024 Comeback Player of the Year. The offense suffered a steep decline when wide receiver Christian Kirk suffered a core injury. Another potential pick would be offensive guard Ezra Cleveland, who was expected to solidify the left guard spot but injuries never let him take off last year. On the defensive side of the ball is DaVon Hamilton.
A third-round pick in 2020, Hamilton was expected to have a breakout season last year. However, he suffered a non-football back injury in the preseason that got so bad that he required antibiotics. The former Ohio State Buckeye eventually returned to the football field but wasn’t himself.
Hamilton is back at full strength and is wasting no time to show it. Here’s a look at him putting his strength on display during OTAs.
Davon Hamilton getting some reps pic.twitter.com/6Ld130Ekh6
— Jamal St. Cyr (@JStCyrTV) May 28, 2024
Hamilton was expected to switch to defensive end in 2023 but he’ll play defensive tackle in Ryan Nielsen’s 4-3 scheme. Speaking of Nielsen, Hamilton recently said in a one-on-one exchange with Mia O’Brien of 1010 XL that his intensity will be a welcomed addition on defense.
Brain Thomas Jr. has seen his stock go up in Jaguars OTAs
Several rookies are stepping up in the offseason, and that reflects positively in the front office. General manager Trent Baalke doesn’t have a track record as bad as his predecessor’s but he didn’t draft nearly enough playmakers the past two years. It looks like he bucked the trend in 2024, with first-round pick Brian Thomas Jr. is the way.
Thomas will still need to work on his route running and his release. However, he’s already displaying his playmaking skills. Moreover, he’s building a connection with Trevor Lawrence. There are a couple of clips that have made the rounds online but this is from the most recent practice.
This what yall wanted to see?
Trevor Lawrence to Brian Thomas jr pic.twitter.com/v5Su1fGJSF
— Jamal St. Cyr (@JStCyrTV) May 28, 2024
Now, it would’ve been great to see Thomas make the same catch against coverage but there’s still ample time before the season starts. For the time being, he and Lawrence will get the chance to strengthen their bond and perfect their timing.
Devin Lloyd has seen his stock go up in Jaguars OTAs
While the Jaguars expect their rookies to make an impact in 2024, they will also want to see third-year linebacker Devin Lloyd take the next step in his development. A first-round selection in 2021, Lloyd flashed as a rookie but eventually struggled. He managed to be a bit more consistent in his sophomore campaign but it felt like he still could’ve done more.
In particular, Lloyd didn’t make enough game-changing plays, at least not as many as you expect from a first-round selection. On the bright side, it looks like the former Utah Ute is aware that he has yet to reach his ceiling and he’s been putting in the work.
John Shipley of Sports Illustrated says that Lloyd looks like a different player in OTAs, noting that he appears to be in peak physical shape. Add the fact that he’ll be playing strong linebacker in Ryan Nielsen’s system, and the California native is poised to have a breakout season in 2024.
