Jags Day 11 training camp practice takeaways

Andre Cisco once again caught the attention of onlookers at camp Tuesday, putting his mix of physicality and movement skills on display.

The Jacksonville Jaguars had another intense practice Tuesday in the Florida heat, but as they have been early in camp, the team was razor sharp in terms of their focus. A good reason for that is probably because Urban Meyer made it another “Winners and Losers Day,”which seemingly helps raise the competition level as the Jags inch closer to the day where the final 53-man roster must be completed.

That said, here are a few takeaways we were able to gather from the media during Tuesday’s practice:

Charlie Strong answers several questions about CJ Henderson

The Jags have had coaches meet with the media after most — if not all — of their practice sessions. On Tuesday, it was assistant head coach and interior  linebackers coach Charlie Strong taking the podium.

Of course, with CJ Henderson’s name coming up in trade rumors, he was the main subject of Strong’s time in front of the camera, who believes the Jags have a place on the roster for the talented young corner. Strong told the media that he was glad to see Henderson back on the field and believed there was time for him to start getting reps that would prepare him to see the field Week 1. Strong also told the media that he believes Henderson does want to play football, so it’s going to be a wait-and-see type of deal for the fans.

Andre Cisco stands out again

Andre Cisco is starting to look like an unstoppable force when it comes to 1-on-1 opportunities. He won three reps against receiver Collin Johnson, who is a giant at 6-foot-6, 222 pounds (see video below). He also broke up a pass from Gardner Minshew II that was intended for tight end Ben Ellefson in a third-down situation and took reps with the first team on Tuesday.

While the Jags haven’t established who will start alongside safety Rayshawn Jenkins, Cisco is doing everything in his power to get the job. From a standpoint of all-around ability he offers more than Jarrod Wilson and Josh Jones when looking at his Syracuse tape, and the success he’s had the last two weeks in camp proves that it could translate to the NFL.

Daily QB review

When it comes to completions, Minshew had a better day than Trevor Lawrence (9-of-14 with a touchdown and a pick), going 13-of-17 with a touchdown. However, News4Jax’s Jamal St. Cyr pointed out a theme that seems to be something other reporters have caught on to, too, and that’s that Minshew isn’t taking the risks that Lawrence is in the passing game. In other words, Minshew is resorting to check-downs at a higher rate.

However, St. Cyr said both quarterbacks had their highs and lows on Tuesday and that Lawrence had a solid day in the red zone where he “shredded” the defense. Meanwhile, C.J. Beathard stacked another solid day to his training camp report, completing 5-of-7 passes with two touchdowns and a pick.

DaVon Hamilton turning heads on defense

Defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton was a rookie who flashed last season and fans were eager to see if he would take another step in Year 2. So far, he’s quietly turned heads in camp and was the talk of John Oehser’s Day 11 “campservations” on the Jags’ official site. The veteran reporter labeled Hamilton as a “vastly improved” player who could make a significant impact in the interior, which is very encouraging.

One thing that may be helping Hamilton is having a veteran like Malcom Brown join the team. Additionally, Joe Cullen’s new defense may be better suited for his skill set.

Other notes

  • Receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. and edge-rusher Josh Allen both were the notables to miss Tuesday’s session with personal matters.
  • Left guard Andrew Norwell was another notable who missed Tuesday’s practice due to injury. However, the good news is that 2020 fourth-rounder Ben Bartch is holding his own while filling in for the veteran, according to Mia O’Brien of First Coast News.
  • In addition to Strong and Hamilton meeting the media after practice, safety Josh Jones also took the podium and discussed the competition the Jags have at safety.