Jacksonville Jaguars’ Coaches Evaluate Rookies in Training Camp

In the NFL, training camp isn’t just about conditioning and scheme installation—it’s a make-or-break period for rookies, where coaches meticulously assess every rep to determine who belongs on the 53-man roster. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, whose 2024 draft class includes potential contributors at key positions like wide receiver, offensive line, and defensive back, this evaluation process carries extra weight. Jacksonville Jaguars’ Coaches Evaluate Rookies in Training Camp is more than a routine check-in; it’s a strategic effort to identify which rookies can immediately help the team compete for an AFC South title, and which need more time to develop on the practice squad. Unlike preseason games, where playing time can be limited or scripted, training camp offers coaches unfiltered access to rookies’ work ethic, adaptability, and ability to handle NFL-level speed—all critical factors in determining their short-term and long-term roles.

Jacksonville Jaguars’ Coaches Evaluate Rookies in Training Camp focuses on three core pillars: football IQ, physical readiness, and mental toughness. For offensive rookies like sixth-round wide receiver Parker Washington, this means testing how quickly they can absorb the Jaguars’ complex passing scheme—memorizing route trees, understanding coverage adjustments, and reacting to pre-snap reads. Quarterbacks coach Mike McCoy has been working closely with Washington, putting him through “walk-through” drills where he must call out coverages and adjust his routes on the fly. “Football IQ isn’t just about knowing the playbook—it’s about making split-second decisions,” McCoy explained. “We’ll set up scenarios where the defense shifts at the last second, and we watch how Parker responds. Does he freeze up, or does he adapt?” On the defensive side, rookie cornerback Christian Braswell is being evaluated on his physicality and technique—can he jam receivers at the line, stay in phase during deep routes, and avoid costly pass-interference penalties? Defensive backs coach Tim Walton uses film review sessions to break down Braswell’s reps, pointing out subtle flaws in his footwork that could be exploited by NFL receivers. Mental toughness, meanwhile, is tested through “two-a-days” and high-pressure scrimmages, where coaches watch how rookies perform when fatigue sets in or they make a mistake.

Jacksonville Jaguars’ Coaches Evaluate Rookies in Training Camp also involves position-specific drills tailored to the Jaguars’ scheme, ensuring rookies can contribute in the team’s unique system. For rookie offensive tackle Ryan Hayes, this means focusing on the Jaguars’ zone-blocking scheme—drills that require him to move laterally, maintain leverage against edge rushers, and communicate with guards on combo blocks. Offensive line coach Phil Rauscher has been putting Hayes through “one-on-one” battles against veteran defensive ends like Josh Allen, using the matchups to assess his strength and technique. “Our zone scheme demands versatility from tackles,” Rauscher said. “Ryan needs to be just as comfortable pulling to block a linebacker as he is pass-blocking a speed rusher. These drills show us if he can handle that duality.” For defensive rookies like fourth-round linebacker Deontae Lawson, the focus is on fitting into the Jaguars’ hybrid 4-3/3-4 defense—can he shift from playing middle linebacker in base sets to edge rusher in nickel packages? Linebackers coach Robert Saleh has been running Lawson through “role-switch” drills, where he must quickly adjust his alignment and responsibilities based on the down and distance. These position-specific evaluations ensure rookies aren’t just talented—they’re a fit for how the Jaguars play.

Jacksonville Jaguars’ Coaches Evaluate Rookies in Training Camp takes a collaborative approach, with position coaches, coordinators, and head coach Doug Pederson all weighing in on each rookie’s progress. Every evening, the coaching staff holds a “rookie review” meeting, where they share film clips and grade each rookie on a scale of 1 to 5 for every drill they participated in that day. For example, after a recent scrimmage, the staff debated Parker Washington’s performance: wide receivers coach Chad Hall highlighted his 30-yard catch on a deep post route (a 5/5 grade), while Pederson noted a dropped pass in the end zone (a 2/5 grade) that needed improvement. “It’s not just about the big plays—it’s about consistency,” Pederson said. “We need rookies who can execute on every rep, not just when the spotlight is on.” This collaborative process also extends to special teams, where coordinator Brian Schneider provides input on rookies like Washington and Braswell, who are competing for returner and coverage roles. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ coaching staff understands that a rookie’s value isn’t limited to their offensive or defensive position; those who can contribute on special teams have a far better chance of making the roster.

Jacksonville Jaguars’ Coaches Evaluate Rookies in Training Camp also includes “pressure tests” designed to simulate real-game scenarios, where rookies are forced to perform in high-stakes situations. One such drill is the “two-minute drill,” where the offense must drive down the field to score a touchdown with limited time, and rookies are put in key roles—Washington as the primary target, Hayes as the left tackle protecting Trevor Lawrence’s blindside. Coaches watch how rookies handle the stress: do they communicate clearly with teammates, avoid mistakes, and make clutch plays? During a recent two-minute drill, Braswell was tasked with covering Washington on a critical third-and-10 play; he stayed in phase, broke up the pass, and forced a turnover on downs. “That’s the kind of moment we’re looking for,” defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell said. “Can a rookie step up when the game is on the line, or do they shrink from the pressure?” These tests are especially important for the Jaguars, who play in a division where games are often decided by one score—they need rookies who can handle the intensity of AFC South matchups from day one. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ coaching staff also uses these drills to identify leaders; rookies who take charge, call out assignments, and encourage teammates are more likely to earn trust and playing time.

Jacksonville Jaguars’ Coaches Evaluate Rookies in Training Camp concludes with the team’s plan to use these evaluations to shape the final roster and practice squad. For rookies who excel in camp—like Washington, who has impressed as a returner and slot receiver—the goal is to find them a defined role on the 53-man roster, whether it’s as a rotational player or a special teams standout. For others, like undrafted rookie offensive lineman Jack Snyder, who has shown promise but needs more work on his technique, the practice squad is a logical next step, where he can continue to learn from veterans without the pressure of game days. “Our evaluation process isn’t just about cutting players—it’s about developing them,” Pederson said. “We want every rookie to leave camp knowing exactly what they need to work on to contribute to this team.” Beyond roster decisions, these evaluations also help the Jaguars refine their draft strategy for future years—what traits did this year’s successful rookies possess, and how can the team target similar players in upcoming drafts? Jacksonville Jaguars’ Coaches Evaluate Rookies in Training Camp is more than a summer ritual; it’s a critical part of the team’s effort to build a sustainable winner. As camp winds down and the preseason begins, the Jaguars’ coaching staff will use the insights gained to put together a roster that can compete for a Super Bowl—with rookies playing a key role in that pursuit.