Trevor Lawrence and Brian Thomas Jr. flash deep-ball chemistry, while star Travis Hunter nears a return and a high-stakes backfield battle begins to take shape in Jacksonville.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have completed their first day of OTAs, and a few things certainly stood out.
If the Jaguars want to repeat as AFC South champions, they will need their most talented and important players to step up in 2026. So far, things are looking good. Jacksonville HC Liam Coen was happy with the effort he saw from his team.
"I thought the guys did a nice job of setting a standard of how we practice, of setting the tone for the rest of the spring," Coen said. "Got in some good work, a lot of coachable stuff off tape that we'll be able to touch on, but I was pleased with the way the guys came out and tried to execute."
Key Observations
The player with the most to prove in these OTAs, WR Brian Thomas Jr., had a terrific day. BTJ had to be chomping at the bit to prove last season's poor performance was a fluke, and it showed.
Demetrius Harvey reported that Thomas Jr. broke free and got behind Jags' CB Christian Braswell on a deep ball for a long touchdown. Watching QB Trevor Lawrence and BTJ connect on a deep shot certainly must have made Coach Coen ecstatic, as he has publicly expressed the importance of throwing the ball downfield.
"We've got to keep pushing that envelope a little bit, especially with him and BT [Brian Thomas], that connection," Coen said of the deep ball.
Travis Hunter Sighting
Seven months after a torn LCL in his right knee cut Travis Hunter's rookie season short, last year's second-overall pick was sighted working off to the side during today's session.
Hunter was spotted catching some balls during stationary drills. The second-year WR/CB is expected to remain limited throughout OTAs but be back at full strength once training camp begins in July.
Hunter is set to be one of Jacksonville's biggest weapons this season, both on offense and defense. Having him back on the field, even in a limited capacity, is a great development.
Jaguars' New RB Potentially Dealing With Injury
One player who was spotted at OTAs was the Jaguars' new RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., who was Jacksonville's biggest addition in free agency. Both Rodriguez Jr. and Bhayshul Tuten are competing to be the Jaguars' top running back this season, a storyline that should be fascinating to follow all offseason.
Rodriguez Jr.'s opportunity to make a strong first impression has to wait, likely because of an undisclosed injury. When asked about his absence, Coen was coy.
The injury report will come out at some point," he remarked, indicating Rodriguez is likely injured.
Final Thoughts
The Jaguars enter the 2026 season with their highest expectations in quite some time. It's always good for players to get that first practice under their belts. By all accounts, the first day of OTAs was largely a success.
If Thomas Jr. can return to his 2024 form, and Hunter stays healthy, the Jaguars could reach another level both offensively and defensively. Rodriguez Jr.' coming in and combining with Tuten to fill the void left by Travis Etienne's departure for New Orleans will also be a huge boost for Jacksonville.
2026 is shaping up to be a very exciting season for the Jaguars and their fans.
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