4 key observations from OC Press Taylor presser on Day 2 of Jaguars training camp

No. 1 The Jaguars young TEs made the most of Evan Engram's absence in the offseason

It took the Jaguars and Evan Engram more than probably expected but they struck a long-term contract before the July 17 deadline. Had they not been able to get a deal done, the star tight end would've played the 2023 season under the franchise tag, which he received in March to prevent him from leaving in free agency.

During his contract impasse with the Jags, Engram didn't attend offseason workouts. He didn't need to report since he hadn't signed his franchise tender and wasn't under contract. However, he's now joined the team.

While the Jaguars' brass would have certainly liked Engram to partake in offseason practices, his absence allowed their young tight ends to get reps and practice with Trevor Lawrence. Press Taylor talked about it during his exchange with the media on Day 2 of training camp. Specifically, Taylor said third-year tight end Luke Farrell has a chance to step into a bigger role and Brenton Strange benefited from the extra reps he got.

"It was huge that he wasn't here", Taylor said in regard to Engram's absence. "Farrell has a huge opportunity to step into a role here. Gerrit Prince had an opportunity. Brenton Strange probably gets more reps immediately than he would've, had Evan been here. So for those guys, it was invaluable for them to get that opportunity to get that experience with Trevor, to get that experience in our system, in meetings, whatever it may be."

"And for us, to know you add Evan into that mix, and you get a chance to see the way Evan has done things as opposed to just watching him on tape. That was huge for the growth of the group. There's going to be an ongoing battle throughout to see how that room shakes out who steps into what opportunities but I think the spring was very beneficial for this group," Taylor said.

Evan Engram is firmly entrenched as the starter at tight end. However, Farrell, along with Strange, Gerrit Prince, and Sammis Reyes will vie for Nos. 2 and 3 on the depth chart next season.

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