After a productive three weeks of organized team activities, the Jacksonville Jaguars now have just three more practices before they get to go on break before training camp. However, before we get to that point, they must make it through their three-day mandatory minicamp, which will be much of the same except the addition of walkthrough practices.
With the full roster expected to show, here are four things to watch during the three days in which the Jags will take the field for mandatory minicamp:
Will DE Yannick Ngakoue choose to attend?
Coach Doug Marrone told the media that he’s been in contact with all of the players who were absent from OTAs and expects them to be at minicamp. However, it’s still not out of the realm of possibilities that defensive end Yannick Ngakoue could miss out in efforts to get a new contract.
In the early stages of OTAs, the young defensive end told the media that he wouldn’t miss any days because he wanted to be a leader for the team, however, he seemingly had a change of heart and one can’t blame him with upwards of $60 million guaranteed on the line.
Personally, I think Ngakoue will show up, but ultimately we’ll have to wait and see. If he does, the question then will be whether he takes the field on a limited basis or not.
Can the offense continue where it left off?
Nick Foles and his receivers particularly got off to a hot start, and it would be great to see them continue where they left off. He especially had a strong connection with Chris Conley, DJ Chark and Keelan Cole, all of whom fans questioned coming into the preseason process.
Rookie tight end Josh Oliver and veteran Geoff Swaim were also solid during OTAs, which is encouraging because John DeFilippo’s offense is big on utilizing the position. Additionally, Foles is a big fan of utilizing the position, too, so it will be very important for him to continue building his chemistry with the two because he’s going to need both to have decent regular seasons.
Will the secondary improve with Jalen Ramsey back after somewhat struggling during OTAs?
The secondary was often victimized by Foles and his receivers in OTAs, and one would think that defensive coordinator Todd Wash would want to get that cleaned up before training camp. Most of that was due to A.J. Bouye being sidelined, leaving the Jags’ young cast of defensive backs to prove themselves. Some reportedly stepped to the plate like Ronnie Harrison and Quenton Meeks, while others like Tre Herndon and Jarrod Wilson somewhat struggled.
Luckily, the secondary will be getting their best player back in cornerback Jalen Ramsey, which should be a huge help. It’s possible Bouye will be re-taking the field with his partner in crime, too, which should give Foles some snaps against a quality group. With Ramsey not having the year he probably wanted in 2018, he’s going to likely come back with a chip on his shoulder, which would be good for Foles as it would allow him to challenge one of the best corners in football, if not the best.
Will LB Quincy Williams continue to impress?
Oliver wasn’t the only rookie selection who impressed in OTAs as linebacker Quincy Williams showed promise, too. Those in attendance frequently mentioned that he was around the ball often, which — for the time being –makes the Jags’ front office look like geniuses for a selection many questioned.
Williams’ performance in minicamp and eventually in training camp will be worth monitoring heading forward because he’s fighting for Telvin Smith’s spot as the team’s starting weak-side linebacker. That said, he’ll need to continue to show his agility and coverage abilities in minicamp, then prove he can shed blocks as a smaller defender when the pads go on.
