Tag: gabe davis

All-22 review: Jaguars’ concerning red zone sequence vs. Browns

All-22 review: Jaguars’ concerning red zone sequence vs. Browns

The Jacksonville Jaguars have started the season winless following this past weekend’s defeat to Cleveland at home, 18-13. 

This was yet another game where the Jaguars had opportunities to score but failed to produce.

One painful sequence stood out from the game: a goal-to-go situation late in the first half, during which Jacksonville had to take two timeouts and settled for a field goal due to a mix of communication issues and poor execution. 

Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson and quarterback Trevor Lawrence addressed these issues in their respective post-game press conferences. Pederson pointed to situational awareness with the play clock running down.

“It can’t happen. It just can’t happen,” Pederson said.

Lawrence pointed out the team’s red-zone struggles as the Jaguars scored touchdowns on one-of-four trips inside the 20-yard line, noting some key plays from that key first-half drive and that they must do better in these situations.

“It’s just little details. We were in the red zone twice close, inside the 5-yard line and didn’t score,” said Lawrence, who completed just 14 of 30 pass attempts for 214 yards. “You can’t do that in this league. You’ve got to take advantage of those opportunities.”

Jaguars Wire took a closer look at what happened in this specific goal-to-go sequence and how it displays bigger problems for Jacksonville’s offense, a combination of mixed assignments and head-scratching decisions by personnel and coaching alike. 

What led the Jaguars to goal-to-go 


To set the scene, it was the second quarter of the game with the Browns up 10-0 following a field goal on their previous drive. The Jaguars took possession with 9:52 left in the first half.

This drive began with a play-action to draw Cleveland’s linebackers to the line of scrimmage and get Jacksonville tight end Brenton Strange open on a deep backside post. The route concept worked. 

However, wide receiver Gabe Davis was forced to block defensive end Za’Darius Smith and predictably got beat on the edge, forcing Lawrence to bail on Strange and complete a negative check-down play to Christian Kirk.

Jacksonville proceeded to pick up positive yardage on its next four plays: A 10-yard pass to Davis, a three-yard 3rd and 1 rush by running back Travis Etienne Jr., a 20-yard follow-up scamper by Etienne, and a three-yard run by running back D’Ernest Johnson.

Then another negative play occurred. As JP Acosta of SB Nation pointed out, this was a single-back stick concept that nearly turned into a disaster for Lawrence. Cleveland cornerback Martin Emerson almost secured the interception but dropped it while falling to the ground. 

The pass was tipped at the line of scrimmage by linebacker Jordan Hicks. Still, it was on a line toward rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who needed to turn his head around quicker given how quickly the throw left Lawrence’s hand. This play was designed to create an easy third-down situation, and it nearly turned into a turnover.

Facing 3rd and 7 at Cleveland’s 35-yard line, Lawrence took off for a 33-yard gain to give Jacksonville first and goal at the two, marking one of the Jaguars’ biggest plays of the game. 

The field goal that should never have happened

The following three-play sequence encapsulates the issues Jacksonville currently faces offensively.

Before a first and goal run, Pederson is forced to call timeout due to the play clock running down, the first discombobulating domino to fall as the Jaguars were within five yards of the goal line. Lawrence took the blame for it.

‘The clock was rolling and it was after a big play. We didn’t have the urgency getting out of the huddle, getting up to the line and seeing the play clock,” Lawrence explained. “I own that one, and we took the first time-out.”

On first and goal, Jacksonville came out with 12 personnel – two tight ends, two wide receivers and one running back – and motioned Thomas right to left before the snap. 

The play-call was a dive between the tackles against an eight-man box. Center Mitch Morse did not climb to the second level to block Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, while left guard Ezra Cleveland only brushed him on his combo block.

Owusu-Koramoah filled the A-gap and recorded a tackle for loss on Etienne.

The next play is an example of a lack of executing assignments by one or multiple players, something that has plagued the team throughout the Pederson era, especially since the Jaguars began a 1-7 slide in Week 13 of last season. 

The Jaguars came out of the empty shotgun with 11 personnel – one running back, one tight end and three wide receivers. Lawrence discussed this specific play when asked about the red-zone issues Sunday afternoon.

“You look back at the drive earlier in the first half [when] we had the two time-outs … I think I missed Brian who was open, and then after that had to scramble,” Lawrence said.

It is good to see the franchise quarterback admit a mistake on a specific play like this. However, it did not help that his offense played from that specific formation in this area of the field, an empty look without additional blocking help.

While the play design and execution were good to start, Lawrence bailed from the pocket as he anticipated but did not necessarily face pressure, resulting in another missed opportunity for the Jaguars. 

Then, before third and goal, the Jaguars burned another timeout to avoid a delay of game penalty, a clear indication of poor communication which Lawrence verified post-game.

“It’s just communication. We’re getting in, getting in late, we’re trying to figure it out,” Lawrence said. “Obviously [tight end] Evan [Engram] went down today before the game, so some things changed, but it doesn’t matter. There’s no excuses. You’ve got to perform and you’ve got to be able to adjust.”

On third and goal after the timeout, the offense once again came out of 11 personnel. The formation is trips left with Thomas motioning left to right pre-snap to create doubles. 

Thomas and Strange run a bench concept to the right, while Davis and Kirk run crossers from the left. The issue here is that the play has Johnson chipping before running a delayed angle route to work from the right side of the field to the left.

As you can see above, there are no open receivers against the Browns’ Cover 1-hole defense, forcing Lawrence to attempt a tight window throw while Davis was not looking, which ended up behind the receiver and fell into the turf.

The initial pressure forced Lawrence to take an extra hitch and navigate the pocket, potentially delaying the pass’ delivery.

If anything, this is not an ideal play selection in this situation against this coverage, especially in a condensed field zone and against a Browns defense that is known for shutting down quality offenses.

After starting the sequence two yards from the goal line, the Jaguars settled for three points, four yards removed from the plane.

What to make of the goal-line sequence

This sequence and overall drive displayed a key element that Jacksonville is missing: An offensive identity. 

It has been difficult to decipher what the Jaguars’ offense is supposed to be or what they want to lean on through two games. Jacksonville’s apparent lack of vision for its offense is costing the club games, and casting a shadow over the strong performance of its defense to start the season.

Inconsistent play-calling and play choices in critical situations have been detrimental, whether it be on goal-to-go, third downs or even early downs. The Jaguars have also abandoned their successful under-center play-action passing game at times.

There are communication issues, missed assignments and a lack of discipline displayed on tape on numerous occasions dating back to last season.

Each factor was apparent in Jacksonville’s biggest missed opportunity against Cleveland, the above drive. 

How to buy Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cleveland Browns NFL Week 2 tickets

Tickets are now available for the #Jaguars home opener against the #Browns. Get yours before they’re gone:

The Jacksonville Jaguars will finally host their first game of the 2024 NFL season at EverBank Stadium in Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns in an AFC clash.

Regardless of any result prior to your first game at home, teams in the NFL want to make their backyard a fortress. This is the Jags’ first opportunity to establish that.

The Jags and Browns both fell short in Week 1, so there is added pressure to get their first win of the season this Sunday. Limited tickets remain for this first game in Jacksonville.

SHOP: Cleveland Browns vs. Jacksonville Jaguars tickets

The matchup with the Browns will be Jacksonville’s first chance to see their new-look team in person.

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence and wide receiver Christian Kirk return alongside the addition of wideout Gabe Davis.

Will that big-time offseason move prove enough to push Jacksonville over the finish line in 2024? The first look of that journey at home sees tickets start as low as $27.

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How to buy Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cleveland Browns NFL Week 2 tickets

Tickets are now available for the #Jaguars home opener against the #Browns. Get yours before they’re gone:

The Jacksonville Jaguars will finally host their first game of the 2024 NFL season at EverBank Stadium in Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns in an AFC clash.

Regardless of any result prior to your first game at home, teams in the NFL want to make their backyard a fortress. This is the Jags’ first opportunity to establish that.

The Jags and Browns both fell short in Week 1, so there is added pressure to get their first win of the season this Sunday. Limited tickets remain for this first game in Jacksonville.

SHOP: Cleveland Browns vs. Jacksonville Jaguars tickets

The matchup with the Browns will be Jacksonville’s first chance to see their new-look team in person.

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence and wide receiver Christian Kirk return alongside the addition of wideout Gabe Davis.

Will that big-time offseason move prove enough to push Jacksonville over the finish line in 2024? The first look of that journey at home sees tickets start as low as $27.

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop Browns vs. Jaguars Week 2 tickets” link=”https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/55M4yyw”]

FOX Sports’ Emmanuel Acho: ‘This feels like a Josh Allen MVP year’

FOX Sports’ Emmanuel Acho: ‘This feels like a Josh Allen MVP year’

After seeing Josh Allen throw for two touchdowns, run for two touchdowns, and bring his team back from a 14-point deficit in Week 1’s 34-28 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, Emmanuel Acho of Fox Sports said that it “feels like a Josh Allen MVP year.” 

Acho, a current NFL MVP voter, was left in awe at the performance of the Bills’ QB1.

“To me, Josh Allen wasn’t just the most impressive player on the field… he was the most impressive player in the National Football League [in Week 1] … when you think about the most valuable player in football, it’s not just ‘what do you do for yourself’, but ‘what do you do for everybody around you,’” Acho said.

Acho’s main reason for bringing Allen into the MVP conversation so early in the year is because of the way he elevates the play of his teammates, mentioning the fact that Allen elevated the game of Mack Hollins, Keon Coleman, and James Cook in the win.

“This feels like one of those Josh Allen elevation years,” Acho said about Allen lifting those around him.

We have seen this in the past, with Allen elevating the performance of guys like John Brown, Cole Beasley, Stefon Diggs, and Gabe Davis. Not to mention former teammates such as Robert Foster and Isaiah McKenzie, who Allen helped become serviceable players while on the Bills and then they couldn’t find stable production after leaving.

Acho is onto something. And he is most likely late to the party. The Bills have been witnessing Allen elevate his teammates dating back to the upset over the Minnesota Vikings in his rookie year.

The chips seem to be aligning for Allen in his seventh season: Diggs is gone which means the narrative for many now is that Allen will put the offense on his back (which he has already been doing), Joe Brady looks to be a stable play-caller who trusts Allen and gives him plenty of say in the offense, and this year the Bills have arguably the most depth at the skill positions in Allen’s tenure.

Allen got off to a hot start in Week 1 and it got a lot of people buzzing, but if he can go on the road to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami and put on a show during a win, then the MVP talks will be undeniable.

Here is the full clip of Acho praising Allen:

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3 bold predictions for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2024 season

3 bold predictions for the 2024 Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars kick off their regular season Sunday with a road trip to Hard Rock Stadium to take on the Miami Dolphins. 

This is the time of the season when fans’ optimism and hope are at an all-time high before the reality of meaningful wins and losses. With postseason aspirations once again, Jacksonville has the talent to get there.

Accordingly, Jaguars Wire has prepared a few hot takes for Jacksonville entering the 2024 campaign, three bold predictions for the Jaguars after their active offseason building a hopeful Super Bowl contender.

Trevor Lawrence posts career-high numbers under Press Taylor

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) warms up before a preseason NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Entering the NFL, Lawrence was considered one of the best quarterback prospects in the modern era with career expectations through the roof.

He is off to a good statistical start to his now-four-year career, averaging a 68.8 percent completion percentage and hovering around seven yards per passing attempt.

The former No. 1 overall selection started his first eight games of the 2023 season with a nine-to-four touchdown-to-interception ratio, completing just over 68 percent of his throws. Jacksonville went 6-2 in that stretch.

But as Jaguars fans are well aware, the season went downhill after the halfway point along with Lawrence’s play, though he battled through nagging injuries late in the campaign.

The biggest thing the Jaguars should learn from last season is to stay hot when they get hot, and the same can be said for their signal-caller. Likely operating under Press Taylor in his second season as Jacksonville’s full-time play-caller, Lawrence should have enough comfort within the offense to do so.

The former Clemson standout will post career-high numbers in passing yards, touchdowns, yards per attempt, and a career-low in interceptions. I envision Lawrence producing a stat line of 4,350 yards, 32 touchdowns, eight interceptions and 8.1 yards-per-pass attempt.

He will benefit from Jacksonville’s new-look wide receiver room (more on this in our next prediction) and a healthier offensive line to put Jacksonville’s offense back on the track it followed to the 2022-23 AFC Divisional Round of the playoffs.

Brian Thomas Jr. leads all rookies (and the team) in receiving yards

Aug. 7, 2024: Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. on Day 12 of Jacksonville’s 2024 training camp. [Credit: Zach Goodall – Jaguars Wire/USA TODAY SMG]
General manager Trent Baalke prioritized surrounding Lawrence with talent this offseason by adding wide receiver Gabe Davis, center Mitch Morse, and rookie Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville’s first-round selection is a gifted athlete who ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. He displayed that explosiveness consistently during his final season at LSU, averaging over 17 yards per catch and posting 17 touchdowns.

Thomas wins with instant acceleration that allows him to stack defensive backs on vertical routes while having the short-area quickness to gain yards after the catch with creativity.

He is a raw playmaker who continues to develop his route tree and technique as a route-runner, but showed progress in this department during training camp and the preseason. He averaged 31 yards per reception over three exhibition catches this August. 

Jacksonville surrounded Thomas with several capable playmakers as he adjusts to the speed of the NFL, taking the stress of being the Jaguars’ No. 1 receiving threat off his plate as a rookie.

I see him benefitting from that lack of pressure and Lawrence’s bounce-back year, and believe he could lead all rookie wide receivers in yards.

Arizona’s Marvin Harrison Jr., New York’s Malik Nabers, Kansas City’s Xavier Worthy and Chicago’s Rome Odunze are all rookie playmakers who could be productive from the jump.

The same can be said for Thomas, whose athletic skill set will open up the Jaguars’ passing game beyond his own production.

By the end of the season, the former All-SEC standout will be the top target for Lawrence, finishing the season with over 1,200 yards and eight touchdowns. 

Jacksonville wins the AFC South, making a surprise deep playoff run

Aug 10, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson and offensive coordinator Press Taylor look on before a preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

This seems like a tall task in itself. The Jaguars play in a division that includes three other teams with playoff aspirations. They also play in the AFC, which until further notice, is run by Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Two years ago, Lawrence led this team from worst to first with a home playoff win and came close to unseating the Chiefs in the divisional round.

Inconsistencies were cause for concern last season, but the ultimate reason Jacksonville fell apart was Lawrence’s multiple injuries, paired with top receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones (now with Arizona) dealing with their own hurts.

That changes this year with injuries behind the Jaguars, a rejuvenated offense under Taylor and a top-10 defensive unit coached by new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen putting the squad back in contention. 

With big seasons from Lawrence and Thomas, Jacksonville finishes 4-2 in the division with losses to Houston and Indianapolis while compiling an 11-6 record to snag the AFC South division crown and the No. 3 seed in the AFC.

Lawrence, who I believe finishes the season with MVP votes, will lead his team to the AFC championship. But ultimately, the Jaguars will fall just short of their first Super Bowl appearance to Mahomes in Arrowhead Stadium. 

Three takeaways following Jaguars roster cuts

Three takeaways following Jaguars roster cuts

The Jacksonville Jaguars completed their initial roster cutdowns a few hours before the NFL’s 4 p.m. deadline on Tuesday. 

While the bottom of the group is expected to change over the next 24 hours, the moves to get the team from 90 to 53 players have given people a better idea of what the 2024 roster could become. 

Below are three initial takeaways from the Jaguars’ roster cuts.

Edge rush depth is lacking

Jul 24, 2024; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Arik Armstead (91) participates in training camp at Miller Electric Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

The Jaguars made a surprise move Monday by trading offseason acquisition Trevis Gipson to Seattle, leaving the pass rush rotation in an underwhelming state of affairs.

Following the releases of D.J. Coleman and Joe Graziano, the team now has just three true edge rushers: Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker and Myles Cole.

Free-agent signee Arik Armstead is listed as one of four defensive ends on the roster. He will likely see playing time as both a 3-technique and 5-technique to allow defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen to rotate what is expected to be a fairly deep defensive tackle group.

This also helps Walker and Hines-Allen by reducing their respective payloads. Yet, having Cole as the team’s lone depth rusher presents concerns.

It is possible that general manager Trent Baalke is not done with how he addresses the bottom of the Jaguars’ roster, especially the lack of depth at edge rusher. Look for him to scour the waiver wire or free agency to address the room, even if it is just one player.

Wide receiver could be a strength after all

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) reacts to his reception during the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
With training camp in the rearview mirror and roster cuts completed, the Jaguars may have a steady group of wide receivers after all.

The team kept six wideouts, including Tim Jones and Devin Duvernay, who will occupy significant roles on special teams as a core-four player and return specialist, respectively. 

They also provide depth to a room that might pose a question mark or two heading into Week 1 versus Miami, Duvernay specifically, who has 94 career receptions.

Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis and rookie Brian Thomas Jr. are expected to be the three starting wideouts of the group. Davis has had an impressive summer while Thomas continued to stress defenses on vertical planes as he did in college, especially on slot fades, where he dominated with LSU. 

Offensive coordinator Press Taylor will look to find ways to generate explosive plays with this trio, paired with tight end Evan Engram. This flashed with some of the Jaguars starters on the field Friday night in Atlanta and could be a sign that Thomas could have a fairly productive rookie campaign, in particular.

Yes, the Jaguars would benefit greatly from having a superstar playmaker for franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence. But at this juncture, it looks like the team is confident in the playmakers on the roster.

Ryan Nielsen’s defense could be fun to watch in 2024

Aug. 4, 2024: Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen during Day 10 of Jacksonville’s 2024 training camp. [Credit: Zach Goodall – Jaguars Wire/USA TODAY SMG]
Despite concerns about the team’s edge rush depth, the Jaguars’ defense could make for an exciting group if everything comes together.

Nielsen, who joined Jacksonville from Atlanta in February, is expected to implement an aggressive man coverage base 4-3 system.

This should allow cornerbacks Tyson Campbell and Ronald Darby to play to their strengths while helping the rest of the defense become more opportunistic with takeaways.

During his lone season with the Falcons, Nielsen’s defense forced 18 fumbles, the second-most in the league.

The Jaguars have a group of players on all three levels that can create disruption and takeaways. Campbell, linebacker Devin Lloyd and ball-hawking safety Andre Cisco should come to mind when it comes to this area of expertise.

Nielsen also has a defensive line capable of generating pressure consistently and could force opposing QBs into bad decisions. 

This may not be the elite defense that carried the Jaguars to the AFC Championship in 2016 but it is a unit that could be formidable in a division featuring bright and promising signal-callers.

There may be some lingering questions with the depth at edge rusher and a young cornerback room behind Campbell and Darby. Even so, the Jaguars could be competing for the AFC South crown once again should Nielsen’s defense meet expectations. 

Press Taylor envisions Gabe Davis unlocking ‘element’ in Jags’ offense

Press Taylor envisions Gabe Davis unlocking ‘element’ in Jags’ offense

The passing game struggles Jacksonville has encountered in training camp have been well-documented by observers, with quarterback Trevor Lawrence up to five interceptions in four days of team drills including three during 11-on-11 periods.

Jaguars offensive coordinator Press Taylor issued an important reminder Friday: Play installations are kept relatively minimal this early in the preseason.

Jacksonville has yet to conduct a padded practice, limiting typical physicality from offensive linemen in their blocking and wide receivers in their route-running.

But if there is a player who could get the offense going when pads come on, Taylor believes it could be new Jaguars receiver Gabe Davis.

“I think a lot of the things that Gabe can do, you’ll see more in the live periods, which we don’t have a ton of those. But as the pads come on and things get physical, there’s an element to Gabe that we expect to bring out of him, or him to bring out in our offense even more,” Taylor said Friday.

Davis signed a three-year, $39 million contract with Jacksonville during free agency in March, following four seasons with Buffalo, which selected him in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL draft out of UCF.

In 64 appearances and 47 starts with the Bills, Davis hauled in 132 receptions for 2,730 yards, averaging 16.7 yards per grab, with 27 touchdowns. He added 22 catches for 474 yards and six touchdowns in seven postseason games.

Importantly, he caught 16 regular season red zone touchdowns, including five in 2021 (tied for 20th-most among NFL receivers that season) and 2023 (tied for No. 13).

The Jaguars opened camp working extensively in the red zone during team periods. Their quarterbacks, Lawrence, Mac Jones and C.J. Beathard, combined for five interceptions over those two practices.

Turnovers were less frequent on Days 3 and 4, but scores and explosive plays remained few and far between.

Davis’ size — 6-foot-2, 225 pounds — and explosive play ability could disrupt that trend for the better for Jacksonville’s offense when the Jaguars dress fully for practice this week.

“Obviously, he’s got length, he’s got speed, he’s got play speed,” Taylor described Davis. “So, those are all things that as we just continue to grow and build, we think he’ll add to the offense.”

The Jaguars return to the Miller Electric Center for Day 5 of open training camp on Monday. Find Jacksonville’s full training camp schedule and reserve tickets for practices here.

Bills’ Keon Coleman not feeling pressure to replace Stefon Diggs: ‘Not at all’

#Bills’ Keon Coleman not feeling pressure to replace Stefon Diggs: ‘Not at all’

Keon Coleman is replacing the likes of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis in the Buffalo Bills wide receiver room, at least on paper. There is little to debate that.

Diggs and Davis both departed this offseason. Coleman then arrived. Hopes will be high for him.

But the mindset Coleman is taking toward that idea is probably the right one. The second-round rookie told CBS Sports that no, he doesn’t feel like that’s the case.

In his mind, there is no pressure.

“Not at all,” Coleman said. “All I do is come in and be myself, be where I’m supposed to be.”

Coleman does has some big shoes to fill–but there’s a chance this mindset from the first-year pro pays off.

For that conversation and more from Coleman, see the attached YouTube player below:

[lawrence-related id=136981,136976,136969]

Fantasy football outlook: Jacksonville Jaguars wide receivers

A reworked receiving corps has the Jaguars with questions abound.

The Jacksonville Jaguars‘ receiver room is undergoing significant change. Calvin Ridley had a strong fantasy season as the big dog in the yard (76-1,016-8) but left in free agency. In response, the Jags signed Gabe Davis in free agency and used a first-round draft pick on Brian Thomas Jr., who both bring deep speed to the roster.

Incumbent Christian Kirk is returning from injury and return specialist Devin Duvernay likely holds down a roster spot due to his availability on two of three units.

The Jaguars paid Trevor Lawrence franchise player money without franchise production to date. It’s time for Lawrence to make the jump to stardom, and it will take these guys to get him there.

Trevor Lawrence: Gabe Davis ‘a great addition’ to Jaguars’ offense

Trevor Lawrence: Gabe Davis ‘a great addition’ to Jaguars’ offense

Gabe Davis has yet to operate at full capacity with Jacksonville as he continues to nurse a knee sprain that knocked him out of postseason play with Buffalo earlier this year.

Yet, the Jaguars’ March free-agent wide receiver signee has made a strong impression on those around him during his first offseason in Jacksonville, notably including quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

“He’s been great, just [a] hard worker,” Lawrence described Davis Monday. “Obviously he’s still working himself back in but just [a] hard worker.”

Despite his limitation to routes on air in team activities (OTAs), Davis has made an impact during his short time with Jacksonville, specifically in the classroom setting, per Lawrence.

The 51-game starter, including four in the playoffs, has offered the Jaguars’ wide receiver room and entire offense valuable perspective from his four seasons within the Bills’.

On the end of passes from star quarterback Josh Allen, Davis posted 185 receptions for 3,204 yards and 33 touchdowns over 71 total appearances with Buffalo. The Bills owned a top-10 passing offense in each of Davis’ four seasons with the team, including the No. 3 ranking in 2020.

“He’s smart, he’s a good leader. The way he communicates with the room, he’ll talk about stuff that maybe they did in Buffalo that might be a little bit different, whether it’s concepts or route technique, some things that they did,” Lawrence shared. “You can tell he’s really smart, sees the field, understands coverages.”

Davis was one of three significant additions to Jacksonville’s wide receiver room this offseason, part of the concerted effort the Jaguars made to rebuild the position, even beyond replacing Calvin Ridley, who led the team in receiving yards last season and signed a massive contract with Tennessee in free agency.

Alongside Davis, Jacksonville signed former Baltimore wide receiver and return specialist Devin Duvernay in free agency and selected wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft.

There remains ample work for Davis to do as he adjusts to catching passes from Lawrence and running routes within Jacksonville offensive coordinator Press Taylor’s scheme. But so far, his early returns with the Jaguars have been positive.  

“[Davis] is going to be a great addition for us. And he’s willing to do all the dirty work too, which is cool to see from a receiver,” said Lawrence. “He is willing to block, kind of do whatever he needs to do and obviously he’s a playmaker down the field and that’ll be a good addition for us.”