The Jacksonville Jaguars turned heads when they hosted defensive end Jadeveon Clowney for a visit Sunday. Although Clowney left without a deal, the Jags did manage to add a player, offensive lineman Bobby Evans, a third-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams in 2023.
Originally, bringing in Evans seemed like a depth move but he could get extended playing time against the Detroit Lions in Week 2 of the 2023 preseason after a recent development. During joint practices Wednesday, right tackle Anton Harrison and Josh Wells, the team's primary backup at offensive line, left with injuries, per John Oehser of the Jaguars' official website.
As of this writing, it's unknown — at least from an outside perspective — the severity of Harrison's and Wells' injuries. If they aren't good to go against the Lions, which is likely, or if the coaching staff decides to take a cautionary approach (also possible), Evans could get lots of playing time against Detroit.
With that in mind, here are five players to watch, including Evans, to keep an eye on in Week 2 of the preseason.
No. 5 Jaguars player to keep any eye vs. the Lions: Bobby Evans, OL
The Jaguars haven't made an announcement yet but Bobby Evans is a candidate to line up at right tackle because that's where he played at Oklahoma. Also, he also made seven starts as a rookie at that spot.
The Rams tried to move Evans to offensive guard but he struggled. Keep in mind that he wasn't particularly great at right tackle to begin with but without any other options in the fold, the Jaguars could have no choice but to roll with him. Of course, there's a chance Wells or Harrison will suit up Saturday. But until further notice, expect heaving doses of Evans in Week 2 of the preseason.
No. 4 Jaguars player to keep an eye on in Preseason Week 2: Qadree Ollison
The Jaguars got a productive outing out of their running game against the Cowboys. Tank Bigsby, D'Ernest Johnson, and even Qadree Ollison made the most of their chances. In fact, Ollison turned heads when he caught a 21-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Nathan Rourke after he managed to avoid the Dallas' pass rush.
Nathan Rourke to Qadree Ollison Passing TD (1/1) pic.twitter.com/zolxefDoy2
— NFL TD Videos (@NFLTDVideos2023) August 12, 2023
A fifth-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2019 draft, Ollison has appeared in 22 games over the last four years. He spent the 2022 season with the Cowboys and joined the Jags this past February. He won't probably make the 53-man roster but a strong performance in Week 2 would either help him land in the Jaguars' practice squad or get picked up by another team.
No. 3 Jaguars to keep an eye on vs. the Lions: Yasir Abdullah
K'Lavon Chaisson may or may not be competing for a spot but there's a chance he could tumble down the depth chart if he fails to make a strong impression against Detroit. Conversely, Yasir Abdullah will get an opportunity to continue to boost his stock after an encouraging performance against the Cowboys.
In his preseason debut, Abdullah, a fifth-round pick in this year's draft, totaled three tackles and a sack. He could use the opportunity against Detroit to build on last game's progress and also keep honing his pass-rush moves.
All things considered, Abdullah is a work in progress and it might still need time to be ready. And that's precisely why he needs to get lots of snaps and continue to make strides in Week 2.
No. 2 Jaguars player to keep an eye on in Preseason Week 2: Jacob Harris
Wide receiver Jacob Harris made a strong impression in training camp and took advantage of the opportunity he got against the Lions. However, he's not a lock to make the team. See, the Jags could have a logjam at wide receiver. They currently have one (maybe two) open spots at the position, and most of the candidates competing for it have flashed at one point or another.
Harris, a fourth-round pick by the Rams in 2019, switched from tight end to wide receiver in 2021. At 6'5" and 211 pounds, he could give the Jags a huge target in the red zone. However, he needs to prove he's more deserving of a roster spot than players such as Tim Jones, Elijah Cooks, Seth Williams or Parker Washington.
No. 1 Jaguars player to keep an eye on vs. the Lions: Cooper Hodges
Offensive lineman Cooper Hodges, a seventh-round pick in this year's draft, has already become a fan favorite for getting fans pumped up during practice, the proverbial Tugboat Tumble. Also, he's got a favorable chance of making the 53-man roster.
An offensive tackle at Appalachian State, Hodges got second-team snaps against the Cowboys and fared well in pass protection and as a run blocker. Earlier this year, he looked like a long-shot to make the team due to his status as a Day 3 draft pick. However, he's flashed enough talent to make you think that he can develop into a high-end backup, maybe more.
Really like this rep by Cooper Hodges. Is able to get under 98 and create enough of a crease for Bigsby to cut back and get a nice gain through pic.twitter.com/Huznr0LAFh
— JP Acosta (Pug Dederson Stan Acct) (@acosta32_jp) August 13, 2023
At worst, expect Hodges to pass Cole Van Lanen on the depth chart. But for that to happen, he needs to perform well in Week 2 of the preseason.