JACKSONVILLE – The Jaguars held Day 1 of their 2026 Mandatory Minicamp at the Miller Electric Center Tuesday.

Three Jaguars media members – senior writer John Oehser, senior correspondent Brian Sexton and team reporter/producer Kainani Stevens – shared an observation following practice. Here they are:

Oehser: Jaguars 2026 Minicamp Day 1 Tuesday had a ramped-up feeling with a familiar theme – and that was a positive for Head Coach Liam Coen. The ramped-up feeling was because this week's minicamp is designed to be competitive, featuring what Coen calls "mamba periods," and the familiar theme was because the Jaguars' skill position players – particularly the wide receivers and quarterback Trevor Lawrence – continue to look very good in this unpadded, 11-on-11 work. Wide receivers Parker Washington and Brian Thomas Jr., both of whom figure to be key to the offense in 2026, made contested catches Tuesday with Coen again emphasizing the importance of Thomas and Lawrence continuing to gain chemistry downfield. That has been a notable theme in organized team activities and minicamp, with Coen clearly pleased Tuesday with Thomas and other receivers. Coen also continues to be pleased with second-year wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter's return from a knee injury that ended his rookie season after seven games. How Hunter fits into a high-functioning offense will be a major training-camp storyline, but Coen made clear Tuesday he likes a lot of the work that has been done offensively this offseason – particularly in the passing game.

Sexton: I generally don't pay too much attention to the wide receivers after the first two days of OTAs. I get bored watching the only real action at camp and long for something that looks more like football, which is still almost two months away. That said, the speed at which Thomas practiced on Tuesday was impressive, as was the precise route-running by Jakobi Meyers. I also always enjoy watching Washington, whose love of the game is so obvious in everything he does on the practice field. If tight end Brenton Strange is ready for more action on the receiving end, thanks to the arrival of rookie tight end Nate Boerkircher, then it's going to be a lot of fun watching Coen frustrate a defense with so many weapons. There, I'm done writing about receivers until after training camp begins.

Stevens: The Jaguars held their first day of Mandatory Minicamp on Tuesday. There has been tremendous turnout during OTAs, so this group is familiar with the program. I saw a great deal of competition within the defensive back group Tuesday, with safety Antonio Johnson sticking out as someone for whom I have high expectations heading into the 2026 season. After a breakout season last year, this will be an opportunity for Johnson to continue to build off his success in coordinator Anthony Campanile's defensive scheme. Johnson spoke after practice Tuesday about the confidence he has gained over the last year and how he is embracing his role as a "veteran" within the defensive back room. The fourth-year player out of Texas A&M credits the support and guidance of his teammates, safety Eric Murray and cornerback Jourdan Lewis, for helping him make such a big leap.