Jacksonville Jaguars: Depth won’t be an issue in 2021, Day 9 notes

Having a good quarterback is key to succeeding in today’s NFL but it’s equally important to have a well-rounded roster. You need blue-chip players if you want to win games on a consistent basis but you also need backups that can step up in case the starters go down with injuries.

The Jacksonville Jaguars should be pleased with their current collection of talent. Head coach Urban Meyer and general manager Trent Baalke have done an excellent job of replenishing a roster that was devoid of difference-makers and depth last year. Heading into the 2021 season, the Jags don’t have many high-profile players but they should be pleased with the overall state of the team.

When it comes to the quarterback position, Trevor Lawrence will most likely start for the Jaguars in Week 1 but they also have a solid number two in Gardner Minshew. Both passers have gotten first-team reps in training camp and have had good and bad ( but mostly good) days.

On Day 9, it was Lawrence’s turn to practice with the ones. The rookie quarterback went 17-of-23 with four touchdowns, per Michael DiRocco of ESPN. On the other hand, Minshew was 10-of-19 with one touchdown and one interception.

What made Lawrence’s performance more impressive was the fact that DJ Chark and Marvin Jones were out. With the Jaguars missing their top two receivers, sophomore Collin Johnson became the quarterbacks’ go-to target.

Lawrence connected with Johnson for two touchdown passes, the second came at the end of practice in an end-of-game situation, per Jamal St. Cyr of News4Jax. Chark and Jones will be back soon but it’s clear that Johnson can step in if needed.

Here are other observations about Day 9 of Jaguars training camp.