Doug Pederson discusses what Jaguars want to see in Jarvis Landry in minicamp

The Jacksonville Jaguars are looking for ways to bolster the wide receiver corps. Besides signing five undrafted free agents after the 2024 NFL Draft, they're also bringing in veteran Jarvis Landry for a workout at rookie minicamp.

The Jaguars announced the list of participants at rookie minicamp. Landry was among four players who'll be trying out. The other three are quarterback Brennan Armstrong, tight end Josh Lingenfelter, and tight end Ron Tiaavasue,

Given that Landry is a vested veteran, head coach Doug Pederson was asked what the team would be looking for. He says they want to see what kind of physical and mental shape he is.

"It comes together because you just wanna be able to put eyes on as many players as you can, Pederson told the media. "He's obviously played several years in this league. Talented guy and see where he's at. He was out of ball I believe in 23 and 22 was the last time he'd been hurt a little bit. So just seeing where he is health-wise and see where he's at. It's nothing more than just coming in on a tryout basis."

Pederson then outlined what he expects from Landry and the rookies.

"We understand with Jarvis, he's played a ton of football, right? We know that there's a different expectation with a guy like Jarvis but I think more than anything, just seeing where he is physically mentally. The rookies, they don't know anything right now. It's different and we're trying to get them."

Pederson continued, "We won't get them caught up this weekend to where the vets are, but at the same time, this is a great opportunity for them to learn and really show us how much they can retain in just a short period of time."

Landry, a second-round pick in 2014, played four seasons with the Cleveland Browns. He signed with the Miami Dolphins in 2018 and spent the 2022 season with the New Orleans Saints. In his lone season at The Big Easy, he suffered a serious ankle injury. He chose to spend 2023 recovering and now is back to prove he's 100 percent.

For his career, Landry has 713 receptions for 7,813 yards with 38 touchdowns. He's also earned five Pro Bowl designations. Here's a picture of him with Jaguars offensive coordinator Press Taylor at rookie camp, via Demetrius Harvey of The Florida Times-Union.

Jarvis Landry can offer the Jaguars much-needed depth at receiver

The Jacksonville Jaguars lost Calvin Ridley in free agency but they signed Gabe Davis and later drafted Brian Thomas Jr. 23rd overall. Davis and Thomas will tentatively start alongside Christian Kirk, giving the Jags a trio of receivers. That said, the depth behind them leaves a bit to be desired.

Devin Duvernay, who signed with the Jags in free agency, could get a few targets on offense but the coaching staff want want to limit his workload to increase his efficiency in the return game. Also in the mix are sophomore Parker Washington and fourth-year pro Tim Jones. Both got playing time in 2023 but neither did something to write home about.

Having released Zay Jones in a cap-saving move after the draft, the Jaguars need a dependable WR4. Jarvis Landry could be it. Of course, he needs to prove he's fully healthy. It's also telling that he needs to try out to get a roster spot. That means that there wasn't much demand for his services this offseason. Nevertheless, signing him would be a low-risk, high-reward move.

As Doug Pederson noted, the Jaguars need to get their eyes on as many players as they can, and it doesn't hurt to see if Jarvis Landry still has gas in the tank.

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