Following a mostly uneventful final practice, the Jaguars concluded their annual mandatory minicamp on Thursday. While Phase 3 of the offseason program ended without much drama, there was still plenty to take away from the 10 organized team activity workouts and the three minicamp practices over the last month.
With Phase 3 in the books, here are some awards for the players who stood out during the non-contact drills:
Offensive MVP of Phase 3: Blake Bortles
Thoughts: While it would have been easy to go with tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins or wide receiver Donte Moncrief because of their "new look, good production" vibe, the truth is that they couldn't have produced like they did without Bortles' improved accuracy.
While the starting quarterback threw four interceptions over the course of 13 sessions, his mishaps were a rarity during drills. The non-contact element of the workouts helped assist the offense in making some big plays, but Bortles' accuracy stood out throughout the month of work.
Defensive MVP of Phase 3: Tyler Patmon
Thoughts: While A.J. Bouye and Jalen Ramsey were out of action, Patmon was the alpha player among the cornerback group during workouts. He made several pass breakups per workout during the OTA sessions and played well when the two Pro Bowl cornerbacks returned to the lineup.
While D.J. Hayden is currently pegged for nickel cornerback role, Patmon has made plenty of waves.
Top Rookie of Phase 3: DJ Chark
Thoughts: The Jaguars' second-round pick made some of the most impressive catches during the third phase of the offseason program. Working mostly with the second-team offense, Chark built chemistry with backup quarterback Cody Kessler.
Chark made catches toward the sideline, across the middle of the field and displayed his 6-foot-3 frame with regularity. While his speed has been advertised throughout his short tenure with the team, his length and height have been his biggest assets so far.
Under-The-Radar Offensive Player to Watch During Training Camp: Niles Paul
Thoughts: While the veteran tight end was hardly written about during Phase 3, he quietly put together a strong series of workouts during his first offseason with the Jaguars. While Seferian-Jenkins has shined, it's been hard to determine who the team's second tight end will be. If the vote came down today, Paul may be that guy.
Under-The-Radar Defensive Player to Watch During Training Camp: Donald Payne
Thoughts: The former small school safety was a highlight machine during OTAs with regular pass breakups and two interceptions. Payne was used in place of Myles Jack at middle linebacker with the starter sidelined. He made the most of his opportunities by impressing the coaching staff.
More News and Notes
- The Jaguars announced the team sold out all lower-level single-game tickets for the home opener against the New England Patriots in Week 2 (9/16) and the Sunday Night Football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 11 (11/18).
- Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone on potentially adding one of the nine tryout players to the roster following minicamp: "We're going to have a meeting today, we had a meeting last night - we'll meet today with management and see if any of those players will be able to help our team with the [90-man roster]."
- The Jaguars were without defensive ends Dante Fowler and Dawuane Smoot and defensive tackle Eli Ankou during practice on Thursday.
Safety Ronnie Harrison and fullback Tommy Bohanon worked off to the side with a trainer during practice. Long snapper Carson Tinker, who is returning from ACL surgery, took part in drills for the first time during the offseason program.
- Undrafted rookie defensive tackle Michael Hughes went down during the last snap of practice. The location and extent of the injury are unclear.
Follow Mike Kaye on Twitter at @Mike_E_Kaye.