3 thrilling developments already obvious at 2024 Jaguars training camp

Trevor Lawrence's rough start to training camp has been the biggest storyline for the Jacksonville Jaguars this summer. However, things aren't nearly as bad as they seem. In fact, you could argue that the quarterback's struggles have been overblown. As offensive coordinator Press Taylor noted, the Jags are in the early stages of installing the offense, so growing pains should be expected. Moreover, not everything has been doom and gloom.

While Lawrence's play will keep garnering attention, the Jaguars should be pleased about these three early developments in training camp.

UDFA Joshua Cephus is turning heads in Jaguars training camp

First-round pick Brian Thomas Jr. has been a non-factor in training camp. This isn't necessarily surprising when you take into account that rookies undergo an adjustment period when they make the leap to the pros. On the other hand, undrafted free agent Joshua Cephus is making the most of his chances to earn a roster spot.

Cephus didn't get his name called in the draft but he's a strong candidate to make the team. He'll need to fend off sophomore Elijah Cooks and probably veteran Tim Jones but he's off to a promising start.

The former UTSA Roadrunner has caught nearly every pass thrown his way in training camp. On Day 4, he reeled in a 50-yard touchdown reception from Mac Jones after beating cornerback Gregory Junior.

Those are the kind of plays that will help Cephus raise his stock ahead of the preseason. If he keeps his foot on the gas pedal, he'll get more opportunities to show he deserves a roster spot. During a different day of practice, the Houston native was practicing with the quarterbacks. As Jamal St. Cyr of News4Jax points out, this isn't common and might turn out to be nothing but as he recalls, tight end Evan Engram is the only other player brought over during individual drills.

Last year, the Jaguars kept seven receivers to ensure no team claimed then-rookie Elijah Cooks off waivers. Based on how things are unfolding in 2024, it wouldn't be shocking if they carried the same number to keep Cephus around.

Jarrian Jones and Ronald Darby are making plays for the Jaguars

Cornerback was seemingly the biggest need for the Jags in the draft. Surprisingly, they waited until the third round to address it when they selected Jarrian Jones 96th overall. The decision earned them criticism (guilty as charged) at the time, and they've been urged to add reinforcements to the position ahead of the regular season. However, it may not be necessary.

Jones was a standout in offseason activities and his performance has carried over into training camp. He's made the most of his chances to showcase his athleticism and make plays. Although he hurt his ankle on Day 3, the former Florida State native seemingly avoided serious injury. After spending time with the training camp, he returned to practice. Moreover, he had no limitations on Day 4, so the rookie corner should be good to go.

But as good as Jones has been, he's not the only cornerback who's made plays for the Jaguars in training camp. Veteran Ronald Darby is showing he's still got plenty of juice left, registering two interceptions, one was a pass intended for Gabe Davis, and the other one for Brian Thomas.

Christian Braswell is also making a strong case to earn a roster spot. When you factor in the presence of Montaric Brown, and Gregory Junior, the Jaguars' should feel good about their depth at cornerback.

Granted, Tyson Campbell is dealing with an ankle injury that's prevented him from partaking in team drills but he has ample time to recover. At this point, his absence shouldn't be a reason for concern. Moreover, it allows the coaching staff to see what their other corners can do.

Ryan Nielsen is getting the Jaguars defense back on track

The Jaguars' defense got off to a strong start in 2023 but faded down the stretch. By the end of the year, they were going through the motions, with position groups no longer talking to each other. Given that the buck stopped with defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell, he was given the boot after the season ended. After an extensive search, Jacksonville hired Ryan Nielsen to fill the vacancy.

Nielsen is bringing a renewed emphasis on technique and fundamentals. It's already paying dividends in training camp. While the offense has struggled, the defense has dominated nearly every practice, with both first-teamers and reserve players making plays.

As offensive coordinator Press Taylor, the Jags are in the process of installing the offense but that shouldn't take anything away from Nielsen's scheme. As noted before the cornerback group has shown out but the defensive front has also made their presence felt.

Defensive end Travon Walker picked off Trevor Lawrence on Day 4 of training camp. He had 10 sacks last year and should be even better in 2024. Rookies Maason Smith and Jordan Jefferson have also made plays when given the chance.

On the other hand, pass rusher Josh-Hines Allen and linebacker Devin Lloyd are noticeably bigger and stronger. Following the disappointing end to 2023, general manager Trent Baalke talked about getting beefier in the trenches. It looks like they've accomplished it, and that's without taking into account the arrival of veteran Arik Armstead, who's still recovering from meniscus surgery but should be back for the regular season.

If the Jaguars defense spurns momentum, they'll have a legitimate chance to rank in the top 10 or even 5 next season.

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