JACKSONVILLE – The Jaguars started making things official quickly.
Logan Cooke, a punter and a seventh-round selection by the Jaguars in the 2018 NFL Draft, on Thursday afternoon signed his rookie contract with the team. He became the first member of the team's '18 draft class to do so.
"It actually hits you that you're signing an NFL contract," Cooke said shortly after signing. "When you're going over all of the things inside the contract it's actually pretty neat to realize you're actually doing it."
Cooke signed with the team shortly after arriving for the team's rookie minicamp, which will be held through Sunday.
Cooke (6-feet-5, 230 pounds), who played collegiately at Mississippi State University, was one of two seventh-round selections by the Jaguars in the '18 draft. The Jaguars selected Cooke No. 247 overall.
Cooke also kicked off and kicked field goals for Mississippi State, punting his final three college seasons. He averaged 41.7 yards per punt in his career and 42.7 yards per punt as a senior.
The Jaguars released veteran punter Brad Nortman two days after selecting Cooke.
"It was kind of an overwhelming feeling knowing, 'Hey, wow … they really want me to be the guy,'' Cooke said. "When I got drafted I realized I had to go in and compete. I still have to compete, but once the veteran was out of the picture, it was a surreal feeling knowing I could really be the guy who has a job.
"I know they have a little confidence in me. It's a little pressure, but I like pressure."
The Jaguars also selected in the '18 draft defensive lineman Taven Bryan from the University of Florida No. 29 overall in Round 1, wide receiver DJ Chark from Louisiana State No. 61 overall in Round 2, Alabama safety Ronnie Harrison No. 93 overall in Round 3, North Carolina State offensive tackle Will Richardson No. 129 overall in Round 4, Nebraska quarterback Tanner Lee No. 203 overall in Round 6 and Wisconsin linebacker Leon Jacobs No. 230 overall in Round 7.
