Jacksonville Jaguars offensive lineman Will Richardson has been a pleasant surprise during camp and has caught the eyes of many on the team’s staff. In fact, the second-year player has been so impressive that he’s seemingly caused a contest at the starting right guard position, which most thought was going to be A.J. Cann’s after the veteran re-signed with the team this offseason.
“I liked what he did,” Marrone said about Richardson after Thursday’s game. “He showed really good strength in the run game. I think he got worn out a little bit strength-wise near the end, but that’s something that will come with experience and strength, coming back from it. I thought he did a nice job, like I said.”
Marrone’s praise of Richardson comes after the young offensive lineman saw 46 snaps in Thursday’s preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens. That number was good for the most on offense Week 1 as he saw time at right tackle despite seeing a lot of time at right guard in camp.
As for Cann, many fans thought the Jags should’ve parted ways with him this offseason as he didn’t show the growth they expected since he was drafted in 2015. However, for the sake of going into the draft process “without needs,” the Jags’ front office re-signed the free-agent to a three-year deal worth $15.5 million with $6 million of that being guaranteed.
Most began to realize how much Richardson was gaining ground on Cann when he took the field Thursday (unlike the other starters who sat) at both the guard and tackle positions. That said, we’ll continue to monitor the contest between the two players as the Jags’ offensive line is one of the bigger question marks on the team.
