5 Jaguars not-named Brian Thomas Jr. who shined in OTAs

The Jacksonville Jaguars wrapped up Organized Team activities. One player who routinely stood out was Brian Thomas Jr. A first-round pick in this year's draft, the former LSU Tiger is expected to have a huge impact in 2024. He's off to a good start.

Offensive coordinator Press Taylor said that football comes naturally for Thomas. Trevor Lawrence had similar praise, noting that the rookie wideout has had no trouble picking up the offense. This begs the question, which other players made the most of their chances in OTAs? These five come to mind

Jaguars OG Cooper Hodges showed out in OTAs

Availability is the most important ability on the football field. You can be the most talented player but if you cannot suit up on Game Day, it won't matter. In the case of Cooper Hodges, he flashed potential in training camp last year but a patella injury ended his rookie season before it even began.

Hodges was on track to make the 53-man roster and would've probably gotten a chance to play because injuries depleted the offseason. Unfortunately, the aforementioned injury forced him to spend his rookie season watching from the sidelines. Maybe that's why he said he couldn't wait to be back at practice, jokingly saying that he was out of bed a bit earlier on the first day of OTAs.

Hodges has picked up where he left off last year and should have no trouble earning a roster spot. He may need to compete with veteran Tyler Shatley for the primary backup job inside. Based on how he's fared in OTAs, he should have no trouble coming out on top. In fact, there's a chance Hodges could make his veteran counterpart expendable.

So far, the Jaguars haven't great great return on their 2023 draft class but Hodges could help change that.