Jaguars training camp: Evan Engram’s TDs and other Day 7 observations

1. Jaguars GM Trent Baalke has put together a well-rounded roster

There wasn’t probably a public figure less popular in Jacksonville than Trent Baalke at the start of this year. Looking back, it’s easy to see why the embattled general manager was getting so much heat.

Sure, Urban Meyer was the main culprit behind the Jags’ disastrous 2021 season but Baalke didn’t replenish the roster as much as he could last year and was reportedly a roadblock in the organization’s search for a new head coach. The fact that he went into a splurge in free agency and made a massive gamble when he drafted Travor Walker first overall didn’t do him any favors.

Of course, hindsight is 20/20 but could it be that Baalke was unjustly criticized? Yes and no. His reputation as someone who is difficult to work with followed him from San Francisco and it was telling that Byron Leftwich, the favorite to get the head-coaching job at one point, didn’t want to have anything to do with him.

On the other hand, it looks like Baalke has indeed put together a well-rounded roster. Sure, the Jaguars have yet to play a game but fans should be encouraged about this year’s team. While there are still a few questions at some positions, mainly tight end, and right tackle, Jacksonville doesn’t seem to have any glaring weaknesses ahead of the 2022 season.

If most of the Jags’ offseason acquisitions live up to expectations and their 2021 draft class makes a leap this upcoming season, maybe it will be time to start removing those Khlown avatars on social media.