The Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense came into organized team activities looking to make a statement, and they have yet to disappoint. That was especially the case Day 3 as quarterback Nick Foles had a strong day with his receivers throwing the ball down the field, particularly to the team’s speed threats in Keelan Cole and Chris Conley.
Foles is a player who many have raved about when it comes to the deep ball as it is a strength of his. With him bringing a strong sense of familiarity to the Jags’ offense and a leadership presence that the team hasn’t seen at the quarterback position for a while, Foles has undoubtably been one of the stars of the opening days of OTAs, as have the receivers.
Cole, who will be fighting for the Jags No. 4 or No. 5 receiving spot, has been a star during OTAs, too, as he also hauled in one of the best catches of Thursday’s practice from Gardner Minshew. With the Jags’ top receiver in Marqise Lee missing last season, Cole struggled with the spotlight on him accumulating just 38 catches for 491 yards and a touchdown. However, it appears he was motivated by his decline and will look to bounce back with the cast around him being upgraded.
Conley was one of the Jags’ free agent acquisitions in March alongside Foles. The duo have a bit of history with each other after playing together in Kansas City, and it appears their connection might be one of the strongest on the roster. Due to being buried under the Chiefs’ talented depth chart at the receiver position, Conley was only able to accumulate 32 catches for 334 yards and five touchdowns last season, but will have a huge opportunity in Jacksonville to become a starter. With the start he’s gotten off to in OTAs, that definitely could happen in training camp, especially with Lee set to rehab until late in the preseason.
Other Day 3 tidbits and absences
- Jaguars running backs coach Terry Robiskie met with the media to discuss how the Jags’ running back group have fared so far while learning the new offense.
- Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette also met with the media Friday. He discussed how he’s ready to move past his mistakes of the past amongst notable topics, and also discussed his connection with Foles.
- Cornerback Jalen Ramsey remained absent as he continues to train in Tennessee with his father.
- Linebacker Jake Ryan (ACL recovery) and pass rusher Josh Allen (knee bruise) were seen working on the sidelines riding exercise bikes, per Phillip Heilman of the Florida Times-Union.
- Receiver Marqise Lee, linebacker Lerentee McCray, defensive end Yannick Ngakoue and nose tackle Marcell Dareus all weren’t in attendance Friday.
- Receiver Dede Westbrook worked inside after dealing with some soreness, but coach Doug Marrone said he expects him to be back Tuesday.
