The Jacksonville Jaguars signed offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum this offseason with the understanding he would be ready for the start of the season to start at left tackle for them. Beachum was medically cleared from his torn ACL last season prior to the start of training camp, but he practiced sparingly until this week and it appears he's set to make his first start at left tackle in preparation for the regular season.
#Jaguars coach Bradley envisions 15-25 snaps for LT Beachum vs. Cincy. Joeckel could see action at LT as well as LG.
— Eugene Frenette (@GeneFrenette) August 26, 2016
"He did good," Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley said when asked about Beachum's progress. "I talked to the trainers last night -- he felt really good coming through. I do not know how many practices he has had, three or four, where he has had the pads on and worked with the first group. We know it is going to be a work in progress, but just what he has shown in practice, the confidence level, understanding the scheme -- very good."
More importantly, the team can get a look at what was projected as the opening day offensive line for this first time this offseason in live action.
"I told the coaches, let's do it this way and the offensive line coaches agreed. It is more to us, a fact finding. Let's find some facts out here," Bradley said on Thursday when asked about the competition at left tackle. "Let's see how Luke [Joeckel] does, let's see how [Kelvin] Beachum does. We just need to have this look to see (and) try to collect as many facts as we can."
The offensive line, particularly with the first team, has done a nice job so far in the preseason in both pass protection and blocking in the run game. Luke Joeckel in particular has looked probably his best at left tackle, but if Beachum can be an upgrade to that and Joeckel can carry that play inside to left guard, the Jaguars offensive line could be by far the best it's been since probably the 2007 season.