3 most impressive undrafted rookies at Jaguars training camp so far

The Jacksonville Jaguars have an encouraging track record of finding diamonds in the rough once the NFL Draft has concluded. Dating back to 2018, at least one undrafted free agent has made their 53-man roster. The exception was 2021 but even then, the Jags signed Tim Jones, who spent his rookie season in the practice squad but managed to make the team the past two seasons and has a chance to get a spot in 2024.

Just last year, the Jags signed Elijah Cooks after the draft and he went on to earn a roster spot. It helped that they chose to carry seven receivers into the regular season but that's besides the subject.

While the preseason has yet to take place, several undrafted rookies have stood out in training camp. These three, in particular, have seen their stock get a boost.

Josh Proctor, safety

A four-star recruit out of high school, Josh Proctor had the skill set to turn into a star at Ohio State but injuries prevented him from putting it all together. But even after missing a significant portion of the 2021 season and losing his starting job the following year, he managed to get the attention of NFL scouts.

In fact, Dan Bugler of The Athletic gave Josh Proctor a fifth-round pick in spite of injuries, showcasing that he certainly had the chops to make it to the pros. Ultimately, the Owasso, Oklahoma native went undrafted, but Jacksonville wasted no time going after him.

Proctor still has a long way to go but may have a chance to make the team. Safety Andrew Wingard sat out a few practices in training camp with a knee injury. If it turns out to be serious, his absence could pave the way for the former Buckeye to earn a roster spot. The fact that he can contribute on special teams certainly gives him a chance.

Special teams coach Heath Farwell singled Proctor out as a player who's made a strong impression.

"Josh Proctor is a guy, that for an undrafted guy, he's done really well," Farwell said on Day 4 of training camp. "I think he's a very smart player that can play multiple positions. He's done a really good job. I like what he's done. Not only in the drill work but even in the team setting, he's done really well.

Proctor will need to build off his promising training camp to have a shot, but so far, he's been everything the Jaguars expected.

Shawn Bowman, tigth end

The Jaguars will be loaded at tight end in 2024. Evan Engram is firmly entrenched as the starter and Brenton Strange will get every possible chance to be the primary backup at the position. Fourth-year pro Luke Farrell is also back. He's carved a niche as a blocker and should get his fair share of offensive snaps.

Also in the mix are free-agent acquisition Josiah Deguara, who can line up at several spots across the line of scrimmage, and Patrick Murtagh, who could carve a niche on special teams as a non-kicker. That leaves undrafted free agent Shawn Bowman on the outside looking in.

Working in his favor is that Bowman has made the most of his reps in the offseason. Offensive coordinator Press Taylor acknowledged that he didn't know much about the former Rutgers standout when the team signed as an undrafted free agent. However, he's done everything he's asked and then some.

"I don't know what you guys deem notoriety or not, but Sean Bowman is a guy that the day he got here, we didn't know a whole lot about Sean, honestly, but the day Sean got here, he does things right," Taylor said when asked which players have stood out in training camp. "He does it the right way. He tries to be physical, he's where he's supposed to be."

"But he's a guy that I don't know if there were a lot of expectations on Shawn Bowman. I don't know where this is going to go for him as it moves forward, but he's a guy that just continued that when you ask that question, he's the first name that popped to mind of a guy that probably didn't have a lot of notoriety, but just does things the right way. It's fun to coach when a guy does that," Taylor said.

As Taylor noted, it's hard to tell how things will play out for Bowman but if he ultimately doesn't make the roster, it won't be for a lack of trying.

Joshua Cephus, wide receiver

It's not hyperbole to say that ever since the Jaguars signed him as an undrafted free agent, Joshua Cephus has garnered lots of attention and become a fan favorite. Based on his accomplishments at UTSA, it's understandable.

After hauling in just eight receptions for 153 yards in 2019, Cephus hauled in 313 receptions for 3,639 yards with 28 touchdowns the next four years. Even though he's got his work cut out, he's done enough to turn heads at training camp. Heck, you could even case that he's overshadowed fellow receiver Brian Thomas Jr., the 23rd overall pick in this year's draft, at times.

As Jamal St. Cyr of News4Jax pointed out, it could be a nothing burger but it was noteworthy that Cephus was pulled aside to put in some extra work with the quarterbacks.

But as promising as Cephus has been, he's got a steep hill to climb if he wants to earn a roster spot. Brian Thomas Jr., Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis, Devin Duvernay, and Parker Washington are locks to make the team, leaving only one or two slots up for grabs.

If Jacksonville carries seven receivers like they did last year, Cephus may have an easier time making the team. But if they chose to keep just six, he'd find himself in a three-way battle with Tim Jones and Elijah Cooks for the one spot up for grabs. Having a strong preseason should most definitely solidify his odds.

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