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

Day 7 of training camp is in the books and the Jacksonville Jaguars will have one more practice before flying to Canton, Ohio to take on the Las Vegas Raiders in the Hall-of-Fame game.

The Jags had their second day of padded practice Monday and there were a few things that stood out. With this in mind, here are three observations about Day 7.

4. Jaguars TE Evan Engram stepped up Monday after having a bad week

One of the biggest concerns surrounding Engram’s one-year deal worth $9 million was his high number of drops throughout his career. Even though he averaged 52 receptions per season with the New York Giants, his ability or lack thereof to come down with the football at crucial times is something fans will be keeping an eye on in 2022.

To nobody’s surprise, Engram has dropped several passes in training camp and he even stayed after practice Saturday to work with the jug machine. However, he bounced back Monday and had two “highlight reel” touchdown receptions, per Jordan de Lugo of Generation Jaguar.

Of course, it’s just one practice but it goes to show that Engram isn’t just going through the motions, and is instead trying to become a reliable target in the Jaguars’ offense.

Head coach Doug Pederson told the local media Saturday he wasn’t worried about Engram’s drops and looking back, he was right not to overreact. Of course, the tight end will be under scrutiny in the upcoming weeks but it’s encouraging to see him rebound after a less-than-stellar start to training camp.

3. Walker Little is making a case to start at right tackle for the Jaguars

The Jaguars were going to hold a few battles in training camp and the one between Walker Little and Jawaan Taylor for the right tackle job was arguably the most intriguing one. However, it hasn’t been much of a competition as Taylor has been out with a hamstring injury.

Of course, you can’t win a battle if you don’t show up or you’re at least going to lose ground, which is precisely the situation Taylor currently finds himself in. On the bright side, his injury isn’t serious, and should eventually be back in the fold. Having said that, he will have some serious catching up to do once he returns.

For the time being, Little is making the most out of his chance. Despite the fact that he lost a few one-on-one matchups on the first day of practice in pads, he fared much better Monday and showed flashes of the top-notch player he was before he suffered an ACL injury in 2019, according to John Shipley of Jaguar Report.

The battle for the right tackle job is far from over but Little must take advantage of Taylor’s absence. Conversely, Taylor will need to avoid any setbacks and show that his absence won’t affect his performance.

Either way, the Jaguars’ brass might be better off making a decision as soon as possible, so whoever ends up seizing the job can get as many reps as possible before the beginning of the regular season.

2. Laquon Treadwell has found consistency with the Jaguars

There are several Jaguars receivers getting the spotlight in training camp for a wide array of reasons. Christian Kirk has developed a nice rapport with Trevor Lawrence. Zay Jones is establishing himself as the No. 2 option and Marvin Jones Jr. has been his reliable self. Moreover, undrafted free agent LuJuan Winningham might have a legitimate shot, albeit a slim one, to make the 53-man roster.

One Jaguars wideout that should get a bit more recognition is Laquon Treadwell, who was close to earning the bust label before joining the Jags last year. In fact, the 2016 first-round pick seemed like a long shot to make the team and although he fell short, he landed on the practice squad and was eventually signed to the 53-man roster.

Treadwell became one of Trevor Lawrence’s favorite targets in the second half of the 2021 season and went on to haul in 33 receptions for a career-best 434 yards and one touchdown. The former Ole Miss Rebel has picked up where he left off last year and has been solid throughout training camp. He hasn’t dropped a pass in team drills thus far, according to Mia O’Brien of 1010 XL.

Despite the fact that Treadwell will have a reduced role in 2022 due to the arrivals of Jones and Kirk, it seems like he’s found his groove in Jacksonville. He will no longer be one of the top targets in the passing game but can step into the starting lineup at any time if called upon.

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.