Marqise Lee could be a major factor in the Jaguars new-look passing game. (Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports)
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — For the second year in a row, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ top three draft picks are trying to claim a starting spot in the lineup.
Last year, offensive tackle Luke Joeckell, safety Johnathan Cyprien and cornerback Dwayne Gratz were all Day One starters. They were the team’s first, second and third picks respectively in the 2013 draft.
Unless there’s an injury or major change in the status of quarterbacks Chad Henne and rookie Blake Bortles, it isn’t likely that the Jaguars will match that feat. Henne is clearly No. 1 while Bortles, the No. 3 overall pick of the draft, learns the ins and outs of being an NFL quarterback.
But the next three spots could result in rookie starters for the Jaguars in 2014. Receivers Marqise Lee and Allen Robinson and offensive guard Brandon Linder are all in position to challenge for a starting role this fall.
Lee and Robinson were limited in the Jaguars’ OTAs due to injury, but what observers saw prior to them being sidelined was that they could be the team’s two best receivers behind veteran Cecil Shorts.
Linder put on a strong closing finish to the team’s offseason workouts and on the final day of the team’s minicamp was alternating time at the right guard spot with Jacques McClendon.
Linder, a former standout with the Miami Hurricanes, was a 4-year starter that included 37 starts at the right guard spot.
Jaguars coach Gus Bradley likes the athleticism that Linder brings to the offense.
“I think that we’re intrigued by him and the progress he’s made,” Bradley said. “I think that the traits we’re looking for in that spot, he has.”
One of the disappointments of the offseason workouts the past four weeks has been the lack of availability of linebacker Dekoda Watson. Bradley inserted a new “Otto” linebacker position in the offseason, designed specifically for a player like Watson.
The former Florida State linebacker, who played four seasons in Tampa Bay, signed with the Jaguars in March. But in one of his first workouts with his new team, he suffered a groin injury that kept him on the sidelines for all nine OTA practices and the 3-day minicamp this week.
Watson now has five weeks to be ready for the start of training camp on July 24. All indications are he will be at full strength, but will face the challenge of having missed all of the team’s out-of-season workouts.
“That’s the challenge,” Bradley said about Watson being ready to step in at the linebacker spot. “He’s been in all the meetings and done everything in the classroom. On the field, he’s watching and talking to the players as they come off. So we’ll see how fast it transfers over.”
Part of the problem with that is Watson doesn’t have an abundance of NFL experience from his four years in the league. He’s only started six games with 106 tackles, three sacks and one interception during his time with the Bucs. His career high for tackles in a season is 42 which he recorded last season.
Watson is frustrated to be on the sidelines, and is anxious to get out on the field next month. He’s anxious to showcase his speed in getting after the quarterback or in covering a receiver. His anticipation of playing the role of Otto has increased his urgency to return to action.
“I’m loving it,” he said in talking about the responsibilities from the Otto position. “I see what plays can be made. Being able to rush off the edge, but also cover. Those are the things that I love, and I can’t wait.”
Neither can the Jaguars defense.
