Jaguars training camp: 4 key observations ahead of Day 7

You know the NFL season is close when clubs start to have padded practices, which is precisely what the Jacksonville Jaguars did Sunday.

Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson told the media that they’re trying to be as smart as possible even though the intensity in practices will ramp up moving forward. On the other hand, the coaching staff now has a chance to better assess their current collection of talent. With this in mind, here are five observations ahead of Day 7 of training camp.

4. The Jaguars kicking woes aren’t over despite the addition of Elliot Fry

Undrafted rookie Andrew Mevis made waves Friday because one of his kicks was so off target, that ended up hitting former NFL head coach Dave Campo, aka a bystander, and Ashlyn Sullivan of the team’s official website. That’s certainly a way to get the spotlight but not a good one.

Not surprisingly, the Jags pulled the plug on Mevis and signed Elliot Fry to compete with Ryan Santaso for the kicker job. In theory, Fry should bring stability at the position but he’s spent time with several clubs over the last three years and hasn’t been able to stick around.

Both Fry and Santoso went 2-of-4 in field goal attempts on Day 6 of training camp, per Mia O’Brien of 1010 XL, which is not what you want from your kicker. O’Brien does point out that Fry nailed a 50-plus yard attempt but the Jaguars’ brass surely wants better production out of their kicker.

It’s possible that either Fry or Santoso will find more consistency down the road. However, the Jags might need to look into the waiver wire for alternatives after teams round out their roster if neither proves to be the answer at kicker.