The Jacksonville Jaguars sat 32 players for their Week 1 preseason battle against the Baltimore Ravens and the results haven’t been pretty. In fact, the Jags found themselves down 16-0 when the half ended.
However, despite the score, there were some positives to take from the first half — and one of those positives on defense was undrafted rookie cornerback Tae Hayes. Continuing the success he had causing turnovers in practice, the young corner once again made an impact play in Thursday’s game against the Ravens by picking off fellow rookie Trace McSorley late in the second quarter.
Hayes’ pick couldn’t have come at a better time as the Ravens were on the Jags’ 40-yard line. The pick also lifted the spirits on the sidelines as Pro Bowler Jalen Ramsey was the first to congratulate his comrade despite not taking the field at all Thursday.
As previously mentioned, Hayes’ pick doesn’t come as a complete shock because he had been impressing in camp and even had two picks on Tanner Lee on Day 9 of camp. While he is a little undersized at 5-foot-9, 188-pounds, his scrappiness could at the least land him a practice squad spot when final cuts are made if he continues to impress.
