3 critical observations from Jaguars mandatory minicamp
![Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones (10) throws the ball during the second day of a mandatory minicamp Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at EverBank Stadium’s Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_6000,h_3375,x_0,y_27/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2F55%2F01j0501qqpjkes1qbj31.jpg "Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones (10) throws the ball during the second day of a mandatory minicamp Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at EverBank Stadium’s Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]")
The Jacksonville Jaguars should feel good about their attendance at mandatory minicamp. All their rookies showed up and many of their free-agent acquisitions also took part. With many marquee players not attending, several others have taken advantage of the extra reps.
Wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., in particular, has stood out. Fellow rookie Jarrian Jones has also made the most of his chances, and sophomore offensive lineman Cooper Hodges is making a strong case to make the initial 53-man roster Knowing the Jaguars will take a month off after minicamp is over, here are three crucial observations from Days 1 and 2.
The Jaguars may carry 7 receivers on the initial 53-man roster again
In a somewhat surprising move last year, the Jags kept seven receivers on their initial 53-man. Then again, it was understandable when you take into account that Parker Washington Jacob Harris, Seth Williams, and Elijah Cooks were also vying for a spot.
In the end, Jacksonville kept Washington and Cooks. Unfortunately, neither one saw much playing time until the end of the season. Both of them now have a year of experience under the belt, and will once again make a strong push to make the team. The trouble is that they'll be facing competition from undrafted free agent Joshua Cephus.
So far, Cephus has made a positive impression in offseason activities and if he has a strong preseason, he could make the cut. Having said that, the Jags most likely have earmarked five spots. Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis, Brian Thomas Jr., Devin Duvernay, and Washington are surefire picks to make the roster. That would leave one or two jobs up for grabs.
And that's the thing, Tim Jones may have the inside track by virtue of having the most experience of the bunch. However, Cooks and Cephus may have a higher ceiling and could take things to the wire. This could force the Jaguars' brass to once again carry seven receivers into the regular season. Whoever is left out could be signed to the practice squad (if he clears waivers).