The Jacksonville Jaguars will move to the next phase of the calendar when they play the New Orleans Saints in the preseason opener. The outcome of the game won't count against the standings, but they'll get to showcase the work they put in the past two weeks of training camp.
Sure, the Jags dealt with a handful of injuries on the offensive line in Week 2 of camp, but the team is counting on some of their young players to step up. The preseason opener will allow them to do just that.
But before Jacksonville faces the Saints, here are the winners and losers from the second week of Jaguars training camp.
Winners from Week 2 of Jacksonville Jaguars training camp
Brian Thomas Jr., receiver
While Parker Washington has been the talk of the town in training camp, fellow receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is quietly putting himself in a position to remind everyone just how dominant he was as a rookie. Leaving aside that the 2024 first-round pick is healthy once again after dealing with injuries last year, he's worked on improving his route-running and cutting down the drops.
More importantly, Thomas has built a much better chemistry with Trevor Lawrence, something that wasn't always the case the past two years. When you add it all up, the Walker, Louisiana native could once again be the deep-threat opposing defenses feared.
Chuma Edoga, offensive lineman
Early in the offseason, Chuma Edoga seemed like a realistic cut candidate because he struggled last year. However, the former USC Trojan will get a chance to prove he deserves to stick around for a second season in Duval due to the rash of injuries Jacksonville suffered in the offensive trenches.
Now, Edoga hasn't been standout in training camp, but he could boost his stock in the preseason.
B.J. Green II, pass rusher
After showing promise as a rookie, B.J. Green is quickly proving why the Jaguars didn't bring in a veteran pass rusher in the offseason to bolster the rotation behind Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen.
The sophomore out of Colorado has shown massive improvement as a pass rusher, registering a sack in virtually every practice. While rookie Zach Durfee has also stood out in training camp, Green is quickly becoming the favorite to be the No. 3 behind Walker and Hines-Allen.
Losers from Week 2 of Jacksonville Jaguars training camp
Wyatt Milum, offensive lineman
After missing time in his rookie season, Wyatt Milum was projected to compete for a starting role in Year 2. He entered training camp as a threat to right guard Patrick Mekari but has failed to seize the job. While the former West Virginia Mountaineer has gotten lots of first-team reps, he hasn't truly shined.
Granted, Milum may just need time to hit his stride, but he currently doesn't seem like a realistic option to start at right guard. Heck, Walker Little may be the best choice in case Patrick Mekari isn't available to start the season.
Parker Washington, wide receiver
At first glance, it may be odd to call Parker Washington a loser because he's trending toward being the team's WR1 next season. However, his contract situation remains unresolved, and every day that passes without a new deal, it makes you wonder what's taking the Jaguars so long.
Now, it could be a matter of time before Jacksonville strikes a deal with Washington, and he's made it clear that his focus is on being the best player he can be. That said, you can bet his contract situation has most definitely crossed his mind, and the longer the Jaguars wait to get it done, the odds of becoming a distraction will increase.
Add us as a preferred source on Google