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.

Jaguars QB Mac Jones showed out in OTAs

It's not often that backup quarterbacks see their stock rise in Organized Team activities but that's precisely what Mac Jones has done. The former Alabama standout joined the Jaguars via trade early in the offseason. Even though he was a former first-round pick, they managed to get him in exchange for a sixth-round pick because he had no other suitors.

This is understandable when you take into account that Jones was benched several times over the past two seasons. This took a toll on his confidence. On the bright side, all it took for him to get it back was spending a couple months with the Jaguars.

Jones went viral because he danced after completing a ball security drill in OTAs. Leaving aside that he likes football again, he's been sharp in practice.

The expectation is that Trevor Lawrence won't miss any time next season, but if he does, the Jags should feel good about Jones filling in for him.

Jaguars CB Jarrian Jones showed out in OTAs

No Jaguars player might've boosted his stock more than Jarrian Jones in OTAs. A third-round pick in this year's draft, Jones has done enough to make you think that he could earn a starting role in 2024. Head coach Doug Pederson said in the offseason that he expects him to play nickel and special teams to begin the season but nobody will bat an eye if he lines up opposite Tyson Campell come Week 1.

So far, Jones has had no trouble making the transition to the NFL. He's wasted no time showcasing his athleticism and making plays in OTAs. While he's projected to play in the slot, he's preparing himself to line up in the boundaries if that's what the coaching staff wants.

The Jaguars got flak (guilty as charged) for overlooking the corner position in the first two rounds of the draft. But if Jones has an impact early in 2024, nobody will question the front office's decision to take him 96th overall.

Jaguars WR Parker Washington showed out in OTAs

Some players hit their stride right away. Others need a bit of time to put it all together. Sophomore wide receiver Parker Washington falls in the latter category. A sixth-round pick in last year's draft, the former Penn State Nittany Lion hardly saw the field as a rookie. Ultimately, he finished the 2023 season with 16 receptions for 132 yards with two touchdowns.

Washington is now looking for a bigger role next season. He probably won't get a huge workload behind Brian Thomas Jr., Gabe Davis, and Christian Kirk but if he keeps improving, it will be hard for the coaching staff to keep him on the sidelines.

Head coach Doug Pederson says that the sophomore is having a great camp. Receivers coach Chad Hall echoed that sentiment.

Even with a crowded receiver room, don't be surprised if Washington has double the catches he tallied last season.

Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence showed out in OTAs

Trevor Lawrence was been on the news because he's expected to get an extension in the upcoming months. However, he's been left out of any conversations about the top quarterbacks in the league. One look at his performance in OTAs shows that he's been severely overlooked.

Lawrence has quickly built a rapport with newcomers Brian Thomas Jr. and Gabe Davis. It will be a while before they can put their connection to test but the team's brass should be pleased with the results. Moreover, he's had no setbacks and is fully healthy after dealing with a myriad of ailments in 2023.

Another reason fans should be thrilled about Steezy Trev is that he has a bigger command of the offense and is letting him presence be felt. Doug Pederson has commended him for stepping up as a leader, noting that he's improved on and off the field. Offensive coordinator Press Taylor also had praise for the fourth-year quarterback, pointing out that his growth is noticeable.

Lawrence wasn't able to finish last season strong but it's past behind him. He's now working on regaining his place as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.

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