From the Sideline
Jaguars breaking back in the pads
From the Sideline
Jaguars breaking back in the pads
By BRANDON FINLEY
Sports Columnist
The Jacksonville Jaguars are now back into practice mode following the start of training camp. However, there's one big time player that has yet to show up for training camp. The Jaguars are seriously missing the presence of Derrick Harvey.
The problem isn't so much that the Jaguars are short a player at training camp. Holdouts are nothing new in the NFL. The problem for the Jaguars is that Harvey is a rookie, and time lost in training camp can usually cause setbacks for an entire season. With Harvey eying contract negotiations instead of playing time it could hurt the Jaguars in the long run.
The good news is that the Jaguars signed second round pick Quenton Groves, and he should be ready to step in this upcoming season.
One of the biggest questions of the camp will be which receiver will emerge as a go to guy. Right now, the Jaguars are lacking a lot of health at the position, and that could give former first round pick Troy Williamson a chance to shine.
During his first couple of seasons in the league with Minnesota he developed the cliché of being a receiver that had speed, but he seriously lacked on skills as a possession receiver. The remarks this season from the coaching staff seem to show a change in Williamson's skills though as they say he's been catching everything thrown his way.
However, keep in mind there's a big difference between catching the ball in shorts and when the pads are strapped on. Williamson will have to prove himself in camp starting Monday when the pads are applied and the annual Oklahoma drill takes place. There's no doubting that Williamson has the skills, but will he be able to transcend that onto the field. For the Jaguars to take the next step they'll need Williamson to do just that.
