Last season, Trevor Lawrence gained valuable experience by starting all 17 games as a novice defender and becoming a leader.
But Jacksonville Jaguars Coach Doug Pederson wants Lawrence to press the reset button, starting Monday, for the first of 10 volunteer exercises on the field over the next three weeks, followed by a three-day mandatory mini-camp on June 13-15.
Since took over as head coach in February, it will be the first opportunity for Pederson and his offensive staff to hold Lawrence in live replays 9 on 7, 7 on 7 and 11 on 11. They will be in helmets but without pads because contact with them is prohibited.
Organized team training is an important step for Pederson and offensive coordinator Press Taylor to help Lawrence make a possible important step in his development by Year 2 by exploring the new system.
“I like Trevor in that he played last year, so it’s not his starting season,” Pederson said. “But for us, as coaches, we get him in our hands for the first time and just do, maybe, different exercises, which he is not used to in the past.
“It teaches him precisely because we require it in our system and then allow it to grow.”
At the top of the list of goals for Pederson and Taylor Lawrence becomes a more accurate pass and has a better landing and interception ratio. Last year, Lawrence ended in a draw with quarterback Los Angeles Reims Matt Stafford in the number of interceptions in the NFL – 17, and he had only 12 passes.
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1. Lawrence must establish contact with the new WR
The first order of doing business during 10 OTA trainings is Lawrence, who is studying the trends of his new receivers Christian Kirk, Zee Jones and Evan Engram’s tight end, which will be used as an outside receiver in some formations.
Kirk gives new hope to the Jaguars to become a prime target for Lawrence. The Jaguars certainly think so after Kirk’s four-year, $ 72 million contract with a free agency has been extended. Kirk needs to show that he can play both in and out of the slot and stably win the cover one-on-one.
Jones must show the same abilities from the outside as the target from the bottom of the field, which can stretch the defense. This is the second year in a row, Lawrence needs to learn a new textbook on the fly and adapt to the new offensive coordinator, but nothing seems too big for Lawrence to quickly catch on.
2. Shena should get up
Lavisco Shena’s wide receiver can prove the most because he can still be an amazing man in rotation, especially if undefeated free agent Kevin Austin demonstrates the game’s potential.
Shena needs to improve as a pass catcher, avoid falls and show he has improved as a runner on the routes over the next three weeks and postpone that when training camp opens on July 24th.
3. All eyes on number 1 choose Walker
Organized team training gives Travon Walker № 1 overall to build relationships with veterans and give him the opportunity to do significant reps with an outside linebacker in live training.
Walker seemed to be quickly picking things up during a three-time mini-camp for beginners last week. However, gaining the opportunity to go out on the field with veterans allows Jaguar defense coaches to see if he can improve his fast moves and steadily move into coverage.
First-round line-up Devin Lloyd and third-round line-up Chad Mum also need to show that they can quickly catch up and play throughout the 11-on-11 run.
Lloyd is a potential star because he reads plays well, and his athleticism allows him to become an advantage in lighting passes.
Defense coordinator Mike Caldwell is going to lead the defense, which includes a variety of subpacks in which mom is likely to play center and blitz.
![Jacksonville Jaguars offensive fight Giovan Taylor (75) during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets at TIAA Bank Field, Sunday, October 27, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. [Gary Lloyd McCullough/For The Florida Times-Union]](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2022/03/23/NFTU/9adf64fc-8928-449b-8000-d4b799b07ffe-FL_JAX_GMJags_Jets_102719__1.jpg?width=660&height=577&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
4. Taylor v. Little
This expected competitive battle in the right podcast between Joan Taylor and Walker Little will not unfold until training camp begins.
However, good first impressions have a significant impact, and Taylor needs to be ready for competition and improvement starting on the 1st day of the OTA.
The big difference from last season is that Pederson has made a point to have better competition in all positions. Walker showed signs late last season that he could perform well if he is allowed to start.
![Security Jacksonville Jaguars Reishon Jenkins (2) could not reach San Francisco 49ers receiver Deb Samuel (19) when he kills a second-quarter touchdown at TIAA Bank Field on Sunday, November 21, 2021 in Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Jaguars hosted the San Francisco 49ers during the NFL regular season game. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2021/11/21/NFTU/3a00afab-94ab-453a-bc95-d4852dbd86e8-JKI_cp_Jags_49ers_01.jpg?width=660&height=440&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
5. Players who need a strong show
Run back Travis Etienne needs a replay after missing the whole of last season due to Lisfranco’s left leg injury. Last month, Etienne said he had recovered from an injury of about 85-90 percent.
But the most important thing during the OTA will be whether Etienne will maintain a huge separation rate? Also, a lot of fun will be how Pederson and Taylor use Etienne.
Do they see it as a double threat and get a few shots as a wide receiver? Or he will play exclusively in running and gradually bring it with him to avoid the risk of injury.
James Robinson is still working on his back after surgery in December to repair a torn Achilles tendon and is not expected to participate in OTA training.
Ben Bartch last season started 11 games instead of the injured AJ Ken (knee) in the right defense. But last week Pederson revealed that Bartch is moving to the left guard because Brandon Scherf, a five-time professional bowler who signed a contract at a free agency, is starting the right guard.
Bartch must show that he belongs as a starting left-back and must have a productive final phase of the off-season program.
If not, Tyler Shetley could play on the spot, especially in the third round Luke Fortner becomes a potential starter at the center. Fortner needs to show that he can mature quickly.
Security is still a problem, and Jaguars have not applied for a position in a free agency or on call. Free security Reishon Jenkins started the first 14 games last season before losing to the end of the season due to an ankle injury.
But he needs to do a better job in second year coverage and security Andre Cisco must insert himself, starting with OTA, as a player who can read correctly and take away.
When Andrew Wingard superior to Cisco, this is a sign that GM Trent Baalke may have made a mistake by choosing Cisco in the third round of selection in 2021.
