Jacksonville Jaguars: A Rising Star and an Undrafted Surprise
By Kathy Clark
I love the August days of Jacksonville Jaguars training camp.
To start, the Jacksonville Jaguars team begins anew with hopes and dreams and some surprises. The Jaguars signed Austin Seferian-Jenkins to replace departed tight end, Marcedes Lewis.
In addition, the team signed Allen Lazard as an undrafted rookie wide receiver. Both have turned heads thus far in training camp.
Austin Seferian Jenkins
Seferian-Jenkins is pleased with the start of training camp. He began work with Blake Bortles immediately to build rapport and timing. Also, he is working to improve his run blocking. Calais Campbell beat him off the block several times but this didn’t dim his enthusiasm since Campbell has beaten many players off the block during his time in the NFL. He plans to be a complete player as both a pass catcher and blocker. Finally, he is very comfortable in the interview setting and is quoted frequently during OTAs and training camp.
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David Levin of blackandteal.com made the following comment on 7/31/18.
"“During OTAs Seferian Jenkins showed early on he moved well off the snap and was quicker than some may have thought because of his size.”"
"“He is a hard worker, a leader, catches, ball runner, and he loves the game and will fit in just fine with this young receiving corps surrounding him.”"
It appears to date that the Jaguars signed an excellent player in Seferian-Jenkins. He had some difficult times when playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and NewYork Jets. However his attitude and work ethic indicates that he has come to Jacksonville to play football. Finally, no one has ever doubted his talent.
Allen Lazard
Next is Allen Lazard, an undrafted rookie, who has made his presence known during OTAs and training camp. Lazard is 6’5” and weighs 227 pounds. Also, he was projected by Lance Zierlein an NFL analyst for NFL.com as a 5th or 6th round draft choice but went undrafted. Zierlein commented that he lacks speed but has the size to become a possession receiver or make the transition to tight end in the NFL.
Lazard competes with a large group of young talented receivers but due to his size and ability in the red zone, he may make the team or possibly the practice squad. Daniel Lago said it best when he discussed the fact the Jaguars know how to find talented players who were overlooked by other teams.
"“The Jags generally find one or two undrafted free agent contributors every year, and this year the surprise guy could be Allen Lazard,” Lago said."
Comments
Finally, the preseason games will produce a variety of potential stars. Some of them fade away during the regular season, injuries play a part, others will go to another team. The stars of August provide conversation and memories that last long after the month fades away.