Jaguars training camp 2015: Predicting winners and losers
By Luke Sims
Jacksonville Jaguars training camp opens shortly and many players are hoping to make a good impression on the coaching staff. For some, it’s to simply stay on the roster. For others, it’s to secure starting spots.
Over the coming days the Jaguars will work to narrow down the roster and to settle the depth chart. While everything is fluid throughout the NFL season, every practice rep is precious and players must work to make the best of the opportunities given to them.
We’ll take a look at some of the players who I think will come out ahead or fall behind by the end of Jaguars training camp in 2015. This isn’t necessarily a list of players who may win their position battles or lose them, but, rather, a list of how players may perform in comparison or in light of others.
So without further prelude, let’s dive in!
Oct 12, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; JJacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Robinson (15) catches a pass during warm ups prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Winner: Allen Robinson, wide receiver
Allen Robinson has had a heck of an offseason so far. He has been impressing the coaches, he’s been impressing members of the media, and he may finally be able to exceed expectations for Jaguars receivers.
No Jaguars player has more hype heading into training camp than Robinson. While this may seem like it is setting him up to fail during camp, especially if he struggles, it sounds like he has reached a level of play where that is no longer a concern. Expect the hype to prove even more real during Jaguars training camp and expect Robinson to dazzle.
The big concern here is whether Robinson can stay healthy. Hopefully he can, because when he is he is something special. The Jaguars have already had some injuries so far this offseason, so keeping people healthy should be higher on the priority list. Guys like Robinson, who have struggled with injury before, should be careful.
Dec 7, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Marqise Lee (11) during the 2nd quarter against the Houston Texans at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Richard Dole-USA TODAY Sports
Loser: Marqise Lee, wide receiver
While everyone else is vying for reps to prove their worth to the team, Marqise Lee will be limited by the team due to injury concerns.
This is tough news for the former Biletnikoff Award winner. Lee was expected to come in with Allen Robinson and be part of a dominant receiving tandem. Instead, he struggled as a rookie. It was a long time until Lee started to perform at his expected level. Unfortunately for Lee, he will be limited because of a knee injury sustained this offseason.
Limiting Lee opens up opportunities for other players, especially guys like rookie Rashad Greene and fellow second-year player Allen Hurns, to jump in and prove what they have.
While it is doubtful that the Jaguars will dismiss Lee because of his limited reps – they will certainly keep him in mind because of his exciting skill set – the time he isn’t showing what he has is time for other players to prove what they have. Training camp should be the chance for an athletic receiver like Lee to shine. He’ll have to make the best of the work he is given this time around.
Next: Can Denard Robinson get out of T.J. Yeldon's shadow?