Jaguars’ Depth Has Created Competition During OTAs

The Jacksonville Jaguars prioritized bolstering their depth in the offseason and this year's draft, leading to fierce competition throughout OTAs on Monday at Miller Electric Center.

Jacksonville signed two running backs, Chris Rodriguez Jr. (March 13) and Ameer Abdullah (May 11). They signed defensive tackle Quinton Bohanna on Monday. 

The Jaguars also added ten players through the draft -- a balance of five offensive and defensive prospects. These signings and rookies have deepened position groups across the team, which coach Liam Coen believes is beneficial.

"It's a good problem to have, and the best will arise, and play," Coen told reporters on Monday. "Having depth and competition at every position was something that we were trying to do with the draft. I think ultimately you're seeing guys practice harder and play harder and compete harder."

Nate Boerkircher and Tanner Koziol are two tight ends drafted by Jacksonville competing for backup reps. CJ Williams and Josh Cameron joined a deep, wide receiver core led by Parker Washington, Brian Thomas Jr. and Jakobi Meyers.

While the returners from last season are likely to remain starters, the backup spots are up for grabs. The competition fuels others to perform drills with precision, spend hours learning the playbook and pick the minds of their veterans. 

Even players who don't win clear backup positions can find other ways to contribute. Coen emphasized having as many active players on game day, and special teams is the key to finding a contributing role.

"You need to make sure the way that you're building the roster when you're trying to get hats on game day, Coen said. "If they can only play defense or only do this one thing, it makes it a lot harder to get a hat on game day. Unless you're just sacking the quarterback or making a million plays on Sundays, ultimately, your backups have to have special teams value."

DeeJay Dallas is an example of a backup with special teams value. Dallas played three games for Jacksonville, and 37% of his snaps were on special teams. 

The 5-foot-10 running back spent four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, and over 40% of his snaps were on special teams. Although Dallas hasn't played many snaps on offense, he has found his niche on special teams.

Coen said he is pleased with the competition the depth has created during OTAs. It has players attacking the offseason with precision and intentionality to win starting or backup jobs.

The competition is also increasing the margins for Jacksonville. They won't have players who can only impact one side of the ball, but the entire game, regardless of their role.

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