Everything you need to know about 2019 Jacksonville Jaguars training camp

By Alfie Crow@AlfieBCC Jul 24, 2019, 9:11am EDT

The Jacksonville Jaguars report for 2019 training camp on Wednesday morning with the first on field practice to take place on Thursday morning. The team is expected to have all but one player report for camp, with pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue holding out in hopes of signing a new long term contract.

Find out everything you need to know for the 2019 Jaguars training camp below, including the schedule, notable position battles and things to keep an eye on.

Notable Free Agent Additions

The Jacksonville Jaguars weren’t as active in free agency as they have been in the past, but they did make a big splash by signing free agent quarterback Nick Foles after moving on from Blake Bortles. The team also brought in some other notable players such as running back Alfred Blue, tight end Geoff Swaim, linebacker Jake Ryan and wide receivers Chris Conley and Terrell Pryor.

The 2019 free agent class lacks the typical multi-star power the team has had the past few years, but making a significant upgrade at the quarterback position is just as much a big deal for a team that has struggled to find consistency at the position for nearly a decade.

Vegas has the Jaguars set at over/under 8 wins

The Jaguars still had a Top 5 defense in 2018 despite winning only five games and having one of the worst offenses in the NFL, in large part because of an injury ravaged offensive line. Even with all of that they still had five games where they lost by a touchdown or less. With a significant upgrade at quarterback and a healthy offensive line, the dominant defense should be able to put them in position again for a playoff push with just a slight improvement on offense. I think I would go for the OVER here, even as someone who is hesitant about Nick Foles as a full time starter.

Rookies to be excited about

The Jaguars first round pick, edge rusher Josh Allen, won’t have to start right away, which means he can be a Swiss Army knife in the Jaguars loaded defense and come in as a pass rusher either with his hand in the dirt or as a linebacker blitzing from all angles. While defensive coordinator has stated their focus is getting Allen ready playing with has hand in the dirt, it has to be enticing to use him as a stand up rusher considering how good he was at Kentucky as a linebacker.

Allen isn’t the only rookie to be excited about, but as much as you can get excited about a right tackle, go for it. I would expect after a dog and pony show battle with some veterans, Jawaan Taylor will be set as the Jaguars starting right tackle and should be a cornerstone there for a while.

Rookie Guides

Wide receiver is the best position battle to watch

The Jaguars wide receiver group right now is the great unknown. They have a lot of players with potential and some players like Terrell Pryor and Chris Conley who are looking for a change to make waves, but it’s going to be a battle to see who stands out and who ends up looking for another team in final cuts. Outside of those two, the team returns Dede Westbrook, DJ Chark and Keelan Cole to the group, each who has something to build on and/or prove in the preseason.

That’s not even mentioning the eventual return of Marqise Lee, which I don’t think will be until the season has started.

Biggest story line is the quarterback position

The Jaguars made the big move moving on from Blake Bortles and splashing on Foles in free agency. The most anticipated thing going into training camp is how Foles looks and if he’s the clear cut upgrade and consistent quarterback the team has been looking for since David Garrard. It doesn’t matter what else happens, who else looks good, etc. The news is going to revolve around how Foles looks with each pass and it will be hyper-analyzed to death just like it was with Blake Bortles. As mentioned, Jaguars fans are starved for just mediocre consistency at the position, so they’ll be hyper-focused on what Foles does in camp and the preseason.

Most underrated position to watch is on defense

The Jaguars safety position is a big question mark as the team moved on from veterans Tashaun Gipson and Barry Church. Jarrod Wilson and Ronnie Harrison have showed playmaking ability in spurts, but how will they do as full time starters? It was time to move on from Church and the team did so mid-season in 2018 and Harrison seemed to fit right in as a replacement, but I think one could argue there is more left in the tank with Gipson. I have been an advocate for Wilson for a while, as I’ve been impressed with his play in camp and in the preseason, but he still has a lot to prove as a full time starter.

Thankfully for the two young Jaguars safeties, the defensive shell around them is excellent and should make their transition a bit easier. They’ll be backed up by an excellent pass rush and arguably the best corner duo in the NFL.

There are still some big injuries to watch

While the Jaguars are getting some big names back from injury at the start of training camp, there’s still a few names that aren’t quite ready to go yet. Obviously wide receiver Marqise Lee isn’t ready to go and will start on the PUP list, but left tackle Cam Robinson is also starting camp on PUP as well. I would expect Robinson to make it back relatively soon, perhaps even time for some preseason games, but I wouldn’t be shocked if Lee misses the first few weeks of the season on the PUP list and to be perfectly honest that might be in his and the Jaguars best interest to take him along slowly.

2019 training camp dates

All seven of the Jaguars’ Florida Blue open practices are scheduled to take place at the Dream Finders Homes Practice Complex on the northwest corner of TIAA Bank Field.

Gates will open to fans at 8:15 a.m., 30 minutes prior to the start of practice. Parking is available in Lots M and N, and concessions and merchandise will be available for purchase on site. Limited player autograph availability will occur following each practice. Please keep in mind that practice timing, practice location and fan access are subject to change due to weather and other factors. Fans are encouraged to follow the Jaguars on social media to stay up-to-date on any changes or weather notifications.

To attend any of the Jaguars’ open training camp sessions, fans must register in advance online here.

Thursday, July 25: 8:45am - 11:40am (open to fans)

Friday, July 26: 8:45am - 11:40am (open to fans)

Saturday, July 27: 8:45am - 11:40am (open to fans)

Sunday, July 28: 8:45am - 11:40am (open to fans)

Tuesday, July 30: 8:45am - 11:40am (open to fans)

Wednesday, July 31: 8:45am - 11:40am (open to fans)

Thursday, August 1: 8:45am - 11:40am (open to fans)

Friday, August 2: 8:45am - 11:40am

Sunday, August 4: 8:45am - 11:40am

Monday, August 5: 1:00pm - 3:45pm (Joint practice with Baltimore Ravens)

Tuesday, August 6: 1:00pm - 3:45pm (Joint practice with Baltimore Ravens)

Saturday, August 10: 2:00pm - 4:30pm

Sunday, August 11: 8:45am - 11:40am

Monday, August 12: 8:45am - 11:40am

Tuesday, August 13: 8:45am - 11:40am

Saturday, August 17: 2:00pm - 4:30pm

Sunday, August 18: 12:00pm - 2:35pm

Monday, August 19: 12:00pm - 2:35pm

Tuesday, August 20: 12:00pm - 1:35pm

Sunday, August 25: 12:00pm - 2:35pm

Monday, August 26: 12:00pm - 1:35pm

Tuesday, August 27: 10:30am - 1:00pm

Saturday, August 31: Rosters reduced to 53 players by 4:00pm EST