JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …

Kenneth from Jacksonville

I think maybe you misled us. This still feels kind of dead, zone.

My Scooby Sense – not my Scobee Sense – tells me your using your Scooby or Scobee or some kind of sense to deduce that the first few days of Jaguars 2025 Training Camp at the Miller Electric Center haven't been all that "newsy." That's true, and that indeed has made the first few days of post-"Dead Zone" here in the O-Zone perhaps not as "alive" as otherwise might be the case. But fear not. The early days – specifically, the first four on-field days – of training camp are designated by the NFL as a "ramp-up" period. This means no pads, which means relatively little contact and relatively little of importance happening along the offensive and defensive line. Those are critical storylines for the Jaguars in this training camp, and I expect conversation/analysis/overreaction in these parts to heighten once the Jaguars have their first padded '25 camp practice Monday. The in-stadium scrimmage inside EverBank Stadium is scheduled for Friday. The first preseason game, against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the 'Bank, is the following Saturday. There will be plenty of stuff happening – enough that we'll be "overstuffed" on "stuff" soon enough. The "live" days are coming. Buckle up.

Richard from Neptune Beach, FL

I could care less how Trevor did on a written test. How's he playing?

You're referencing a test Jaguars coaches gave quarterbacks early in '25 camp, a test that focused on the players' knowledge of Head Coach Liam Coen's offense and one on which starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence scored what coaches considered a very strong 85. If you're kinda sorta suggesting that such a score means little compared to now a quarterback plays in games … but of course. No argument. But the score does reflect Lawrence's progress learning Coen's offensive system in the pair's first season working together. How much of that is translating to the field? How is Lawrence playing? From this view thus far … fine. Lawrence hasn't looked spectacular in three non-padded practices. He hasn't looked awful. He doesn't look quite as confident and his decisions perhaps aren't quite as quick yet as backup quarterback Nick Mullens, but Mullens' previous experience in this system with the Minnesota Vikings means he should be reading and reacting very quickly. Lawrence has looked confident. There were a few really good series and moments last week. There were some so-so moments. Perhaps the most encouraging moment on this front came on Friday when Coen discussed a practice that many saw as difficult for the offense. Coen said it was more a matter of not making plays than not having a great offensive day. He said the offense overall ran well and that the issue was taking advantage of opportunities. It's early yet. That's what ramp-up days are about: Ramping up.

Bradley from Kansas City, MO

I rarely comment or ask questions about practice but do the more objective-minded veteran coaches and players have a "feel" for how a team will fare based on training camp?

Veteran coaches, players and others often have a feel for these things. Sometimes that feel is right. Sometimes it is wrong. Players and coaches are usually confident as the season approaches if their team is uninjured. That confidence often wanes quickly as the reality of the regular season takes hold.

Bill from Orange Park, FL

We still holding onto this myth that THE is going to play both ways? When does the charade end?

Your aggressiveness and boldness, while undoubtedly impressive, doesn't necessarily take into account the reality of the situation. The Travis Hunter Experience – i.e., the career of Jaguars rookie wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter – indeed is well under way at '25 camp. He's practicing with the Jaguars, and they plan to play him extensively on both offense and defense. The franchise has a plan for this. Hunter likes the plan. He currently is practicing exclusively on one side of the ball or the other on a given day, with plans for him to begin "flip-flopping" in practice six days into practice. Nothing has occurred thus far in the offseason program or training camp to indicate that Hunter won't play both ways when the regular season begins. This is no myth, Billy Boy. This is the real deal.

Jeff from Grass Valley, CA

How often are NFL referees at teams' training camp? Do the Jags have their own "referees" for daily practices? After watching some highlights from three days of camp, I'm curious as to how many flags may have been thrown in the secondary.

NFL referees visit all NFL training camps annually. The Jaguars regularly have officials throughout training camp, though there isn't a precise agreed-upon number days this occurs. There were multiple plays on the first three days when penalties could have been called on pass defenders, as is pretty much the case in most NFL games.

Scott from St. Johns

John: Over the past 15 years three players who have been the consensus No. 1 high school football recruit have subsequently gone on to win the Heisman Trophy: Derrick Henry, Johnny Manziel and Travis Hunter. It is evident that Travis Hunter is approaching his job as an NFL player with a level of dedication and commitment close to that of Derrick Henry and far removed from that of Johnny Manziel. Fingers crossed that Travis attains the volume and magnitude of success that Derrick Henry has had.

Here's hoping.

Troy from Dover, PA

Can you verify that Evan Engram was the first player to show up most days?

Former Jaguars tight end Evan Engram, who played for the Jaguars from 2022-2024 and who now is with the Denver Broncos, had this to say this week: "I tell people, all my family, it is hard to be the first one in the building. I am used to being the first one. In Jacksonville, I was always the first one. It was really easy. Here, it is kind of tough." Engram's a thoughtful, diligent player and I always got the sense he tried to be honest when interviewed. I can't verify he was always the first one in the building when he was here. That would have required me being at work very early, something I'm not given to do unless forced or at least threatened. Engram had a reputation for a dedicated routine and strong work ethic. If he said he was the first player in the building most days, I have no reason to doubt that was the case.

Chevin from Riverside, Jacksonville, FL

After Trevor Lawrence's development in Coen's system and after Travis Hunter's two-way playing time splits, what are you anticipating the most intriguing story lines to be this pre-season?

Offensive line. While there has been little focus here early in camp, that has been because the Jaguars aren't practicing in pads yet – and it should therefore be a major focus beginning this week. The Jaguars, remember, signed four offensive lineman as unrestricted free agents this offseason – Patrick Mekari, Robert Hainsey, Chuma Edoga and Fred Johnson. They also selected Wyatt Milum (Round 3) and Jonah Monheim (Round 7) in the 2025 NFL Draft. Three starters from last season – left tackle Walker Little, right tackle Anton Harrison and left guard Ezra Cleveland – return along with a former starter in center Luke Fortner and a key reserve in Cole Van Lanen. The Jaguars have been adamant that this is open competition with no predetermined starters. There's a lot going on here. That's as big a storyline to watch as any around Jaguars camp in the coming weeks.

Tony from Johns Creek, GA

New coaches, new playbook - I don't understand why the offense hasn't been perfect after a handful of practices.

It's a mystery.

Reese from Loyal Jaguar Fan in VA

When will we have a good idea for when/if the defense/offense is understanding the playbook and assignments? After all, class is definitely in session come Monday practice! Go Jags!!!

This is a gradual process. I expect the offense and defense overall to know the playbook/assignments, with the quarterbacks likely – and hopefully – being a bit ahead of most other players at first. I expect some errors in details at first, with those likely – hopefully – reducing as time continues. Class indeed is in session come Monday when pads go on. I doubt the Jaguars will score 100 on the first-day test. What you want to see is continued improvement.

David from the Beach

You do realize, of course, that this is the last week/weekend without football until February?

That's pretty much correct. The NFL season essentially will begin next Thursday with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions. That's Preseason Week 1, with a "full slate" of preseason games the following week. The NFL will have a leaguewide bye the weekend of August 30 between the preseason and Week 1, but there is college football that weekend. If your life revolves around this sport, life is about to be good again. Congratulations, I suppose.