With OTAs beginning for the Jacksonville Jaguars on May 26, let’s highlight three players on the offensive side of the football to keep our eyes on in the coming weeks.
In this third phase of offseason programs, no contact can take place, but teams can do competitive team periods. OTAs are also voluntary for the players.
As is always the case this time of the year, there will be plenty to watch for, but these players in particular will have my attention.
OL Emmanuel Pregnon
How quickly can Pregnon acclimate to the NFL level and Liam Coen’s playbook? That may provide us with some insight into how seriously he could push for snaps this summer.
The addition of Pregnon adds size to the Jaguars’ offensive line at guard, but there are two experienced players in Ezra Cleveland and Patrick Mekari currently holding down those starting positions. Pregnon will have to hit the ground running.
TE Nate Boerkircher
Boerkircher was one of the better blocking tight ends in college football last season by PFF’s metrics. That is one of the big reasons why the Jaguars drafted him.
But the team is also bullish on his ability to make an impact as a pass catcher — let’s see how early and often he is able to make plays in that phase of the game.
RB Chris Rodriguez
One reason why the Jaguars really liked Rodriguez in free agency was his ability to create as a ball carrier. He ranked among the best last season in average yards after contact and rush yards over expected per attempt.
With there being no contact, we won’t see the full extent of Rodriguez’s abilities during OTAs, but his vision, suddenness as a ball carrier, and burst should all be on display.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 3 Jaguars players to watch on offense during OTA practices
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire / Jaguars Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
