No-shows draw the ire of Jaguars EVP Tom Coughlin

Although the Jaguars offseason workout program is voluntary, the team’s executive vice president Tom Coughlin still wants 100-percent participation.

Tom Coughlin has always been characterized as a coach who demanded the best from his players in every situation. So when the executive vice-president of football operations for the Jacksonville Jaguars singled out the only two players who are not part of the team’s voluntary offseason workout program, it showed he still demands maximum effort from the members in this organization.

"“We’re very close to 100 percent attendance, and quite frankly, our players should be here building the concept of team, working hard side by side, constructing our bond of togetherness, formulating our collective priorities and goals,” Coughlin said in a four-minute speech he gave at the State of the Franchise meeting at TIAA Bank Field on Thursday.“Success in the NFL demands struggle. Those who have everything given to them become lazy, selfish and insensitive to the real values of team. The hard work that many try to avoid is the major building block for the development of an outstanding football team.”"

The two players in question were Jalen Ramsey and Telvin Smith, who will be counted on to help the defense return to its 2017 form. The 2018 unit did finish in the top five in overall defense, but there was a noticeable drop off in play at times last season.

The Jaguars changed part of its defensive coaching staff this offseason, which including the release of defensive line coach Marion Hobby and defensive backs coach Perry Fewell. The Jaguars brought in Dom Capers as a senior defensive advisor to help defensive coordinator Todd Wash this coming season.