Earlier we mentioned the signing of Jacksonville Jaguars sixth-round quarterback Gardner Minshew, but it appears the team didn’t stop there and will attempt to go into rookie minicamp with all (or most) of their rookie selections signed. The Jags also were able to come to terms with third-round tight end Josh Oliver, fifth-round tailback Ryquell Armstead and seventh-round defensive tackle Dontavius Russell.
Oliver, 22, was the first of the Jags’ two third-round selections (No. 69 overall) from the 2019 draft out of San Jose State. During his senior season, he was able to accumulate 56 catches for 709 yards and four touchdowns, which was good for 12.7 yards per reception. That was good enough to help him garner first team All-Mountain West honors in the process of being a co-captain for the Spartans. Being that he plays a very important position to John DeFilippo’s scheme, Oliver will be a key name to watch as he has a chance to be a starter for the Jags over veteran Geoff Swaim.
Armstead, 22, was a force for the Temple Owls and will be coming off his best collegiate season with them after racking up 210 carries for 1,098 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. Overall, he was able to accumulate a career total of 2,812 yards and 34 touchdowns over the course of four seasons, proving to be one of the better power-backs in the country. He’ll come in and compete with veterans Alfred Blue, Thomas Rawls and Benny Cunningham for the No. 2 spot behind starter Leonard Fournette.
Russell, 23, was a four-year starter for the Auburn Tigers defensive front starting in a total of 49 career games, while participating in 52. He finished his time in the Southeastern Conference with 154 career tackles, six sacks, 17 tackles for loss and one forced fumble. At 320 pounds, he’ll come in to compete for a spot in the Jags defensive line rotation as a nose tackle to groom behind Marcell Dareus and Abry Jones.
