With offseason programs now behind us, let’s take a position-by-position look at where things stand for the Jaguars, starting with quarterbacks.
With offseason programs now behind us, let’s take a position-by-position look at where things stand for the Jacksonville Jaguars, starting with quarterbacks.
While it was nothing major, with Liam Coen calling it some “tweaking,” a big point of emphasis this offseason for Trevor Lawrence was on his footwork. In part, as Lawrence described, this was an area of his game where he felt he could improve. But in addition to that, the footwork component is vital to playing quarterback in Coen’s offense.
The quarterback’s footwork and the rhythm with which he goes through his progressions on a given play go hand-in-hand. So, if the footwork element is off, the timing of the entire play, as the quarterback makes his reads, can be disrupted as well.
Where has Jaguars‘ QB Trevor Lawrence seen the most growth during offseason programs?
With prioritizing his footwork, Lawrence has seen progress in that regard. He’s also focused on using his eyes as a weapon to manipulate defenders.
“Like I’ve said, I’ve changed some of my footwork, so I feel a lot more comfortable with that,” Lawrence said after Thursday’s practice. “Just some subtle changes. I think my footwork, my eyes, just where I’m starting, using my eyes as a weapon, manipulating the defense.
“I thought there was some great stuff on tape throughout the spring of me being able to do that, and the ways I wanted to. So that was a big step.”
This is a system under Coen that “has a lot of the answers,” as Lawrence put it. But with that, there is also a lot that is asked of the players, which can lead to there being a steeper learning curve as the new offense is being implemented.
However, as more installs are put in, and Lawrence and the rest of the offense are able to bank more reps on the practice field, operating this new-look Jaguars’ offense is becoming more second nature.
“Just overall, being comfortable with the system,” Lawrence added. “Not thinking as much. When you hear a play call, it’s not like I’m straining to think about what I’m doing. When you first get into the system, you’re kind of doing that, but towards the end it felt a lot more second nature and felt like I could go and play and communicate and move fast.”
What about the rest of the Jaguars’ quarterback depth chart?
There really isn’t any mystery around the fact that Nick Mullens will be the Jaguars’ backup quarterback this season. He previously played in Minnesota and comes from an offensive scheme under Kevin O’Connell that has overlaps with Coen’s. That foundation that Mullens has can be beneficial for Lawrence as the new system is being implemented.
One potential roster decision that the Jaguars will have to make is whether to keep two or three quarterbacks. My general thought is that keeping two makes more sense, and then that roster spot can be put to use elsewhere on a player who can potentially help out on special teams.
If that’s the route the Jaguars go, and choose to roster only two quarterbacks, then either undrafted rookie Seth Henigan or John Wolford will be vying for the spot on the practice squad.
Wolford has the advantage of experience, along with playing under Coen in Tampa Bay last season, so there’s familiarity with the offense as well. But oftentimes, when it comes to the back end of the depth chart at really any position, teams typically prioritize upside over some stability that can come with experience, in which case, Henigan has the advantage.