3 Jaguars not named Brian Thomas Jr. who turned heads in 2nd practice with Buccaneers

The Jacksonville Jaguars wrapped up their joint practices with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They're now gearing up for their matchup in Week 2 of the 2024 NFL Preseason. Based on how things played out the past few days, the Jags should feel good about their chances of coming out on top, even if the outcome won't count in the standings.

Overall, players executed in all three phases. Granted, the Jacksonville offensive line struggled to contain Vita Vea and the rest of the Buccaneers' defensive front. But despite the inadequate protection, Trevor Lawrence had no trouble connecting with his receivers. Brian Thomas Jr., in particular, got the spotlight.

A first-round pick in this year's draft, Thomas routinely beat the Tampa Bay secondary. Head coach Todd Bowles was certainly impressed with the former LSU Tiger, praising him for both his deep-threat capability and speed. Having said that, Lawrence and the rookie wideout were far from the only Jaguars who stood out in the second joint practice with the Bucs. These three also made a strong impression.

Brenton Strange, tight end

While Tank Bigsby was probably the Jaguars' most disappointing draft pick from 2023, tight end Brenton Strange wasn't much better last year. Taken in the second round, he was expected to make an impact even though he was second on the depth chart behind Evan Engram. However, that's not how things went.

Strange was a non-factor as a rookie and fellow tight end Luke Farrell got ahead of him on the depth chart. The former Penn State Nittany Lion ended 2023 with just five receptions for 35 yards with one touchdown. Things didn't get much better early in the offseason, but something clicked, and he's made the most of his chances.

The past few practices, Farrell has caught nearly every pass that's gone his way. In the second joint practice with Tampa Bay, he beat safety Antoine Winfield Jr. to haul in a pass from Trevor Lawrence.

It's worth noting that Strange also had a nice grab the day prior, so it's fair to say that he's trending up in the right direction. The West Virginia native will next have a chance to keep making a strong impression in Week 2 of the preseason.

Erick Hallett II, safety

Like Brenton Strange, Erick Hallett II was a member of the Jacksonville 2023 draft class. However, he was a sixth-round pick and wasn't expected to have a big impact last year. Ultimately, the former Pittsburgh Panther wasn't able to earn a spot on the 53-man roster and spent his rookie season in the practice squad.

Hallett is now once again trying to make the team in 2024. Given that the Jags are stacked at safety. It's hard to tell whether he'll succeed but he's doing what he can to make sure he's got a chance. In the second practice with the Bucs, he reeled in two interceptions. One of them was the result of a bad pass and the other was a deflection by teammate Devin Lloyd.

Nevertheless, Hallett deserves credit for making the plays. He saw an opportunity both times and seized it. While he may end up not making the cut, the sophomore safety isn't giving up without a fight.

Andre Cisco, safety

Andre Cisco has been a playmaker for the Jaguars the past two years, registering a combined seven interceptions and 15 passes defensed in that span. Based on how he's performed, the former Syracuse Orangeman is widely expected to break out in 2024 and should be able to pull it off.

That's why nobody batted an eye when he logged three interceptions that practice. He had another one off quarterback Baker Mayfield in the second joint practice with Tampa Bay.

This should be a reminder that Cisco has been working in the offseason and is indeed in a position to make a huge leap in 2024.

More Jaguars analysis here: