Jaguars Tyler Patmon Making the Most of His Opportunity In Camp
By David Levin
An unnamed local sports writer here in town told me he thought Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Tyler Patmon should be the team’s nickel, ahead of free agent signee D.J. Hayden.
Tyler Patmon has made the most of his opportunity in Jacksonville Jaguars training camp so far, getting more playing time since Jalen Ramsey hasn’t joined the team yet because of the birth of his daughter. On Saturday night, Patmon once again proved the local writer might be correct, playing well in the team’s first padded practice.
As an undrafted free agent (2014), the former Oklahoma State player played for five different NFL teams before finding a home with the Jaguars last season. This season, he could make more of an impact than just having a strong camp to solidify a place on the 53-man roster.
So far, he has made plays in Ramsey’s absence. While there is no chance he replaces the All-Pro player, he has made coaches take notice of the improvements he has made, including head coach Doug Marrone.
More from Jacksonville Jaguars News
- Jacksonville Jaguars should welcome Derrick Henry into the kingdom
- Jaguars Rumors: Trent Baalke seems to be getting respect now
- Jaguars News: This division rival might be making a big move
- Former Jacksonville Jaguars S Johnathan Cyprien: “New Profession, Same Standards”
- Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram officially gets the franchise tag: 3 takeaways
"“I think that ‘Pat’ has done a nice job,” Marrone said at his press conference prior to the team’s practice on Saturday night. “He has made plays on the outside, and he has also been doing a good job on special teams.”"
As one of the last roster decisions of the 2017 season, Patmon did not get significant playing time last season but did appear in 13 games for the Jaguars. He knew and understands that he would need to continue to work on getting better, working with the special teams unit and working hard in the study room and on the practice field.
He came back to camp this season having made those adjustments.
"“That was something that we stressed with him in the offseason, and he has responded to that. That is something where he showed he has the ability to be in position to do that, and then now it is a matter of when we start playing to actually do it when we get on the field,” Marrone added."
Marrone stressed in the first press conference before OTAs he wants players to push starters, to make an impact early. If a reserve player or undrafted free agent makes this team, pushing a veteran off the roster, it means there is one good player replacing another one. Patmon could push Hayden for playing time, filling the spot Aaron Colvin had before he signed a free agent deal with Houston.
dark. Next. The Jaguars are the Best Team in Florida
Per spotrac.com, D.J. Hayden signed a 3-year, $19 million deal with the Jaguars this offseason with over $9.4 million in guaranteed money after playing for the Oakland Raiders and Detroit Lions.
Both he and Patmon have some big shoes to fill as Colvin was an important part of one of the best defensive backfields in the NFL.