JACKSONVILLE – Josh Allen's answer was simple and encompassing.
The Jaguars' rookie edge rusher was asked what he had learned the last few months from veteran defensive end Calais Campbell.
"That answer is 'everything,''' Allen said Sunday following the Jaguars' practice at the Dream Finders Homes Practice Complex adjacent to TIAA Bank Field.
Allen, the No. 7 overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft, and Campbell were seen often during 2019 Training Camp talking during and after practice. Allen said Campbell's guidance in approaching the NFL has been invaluable.
"He's teaching me so much about the game – not only about different types of plays, but how you're supposed to carry yourself on and off the field," Allen said. "He's an excellent leader, an excellent role model."
He said the same has been true of the entire Jaguars' defensive line.
"Our whole defensive line group takes that role as role models and leaders," Allen said. "Yann (defensive end Yannick Ngakoue) pulls me to the side and gives me tips. [Tackle] Marcell [Dareus] does. Abe (defensive tackle Abry Jones) does. Not only them, but [middle linebacker] Myles [Jack] as well. They say the defensive line plays as one; well, we all play as one as a defense. We feed off each other and play off each other's energy. We try to make plays for each other."
Campbell said Allen's most notable attribute may be a willingness to heed the aforementioned advice.
"Josh is a guy who's hungry for knowledge," Campbell said. "He has been willing to ask a lot of questions and is working on his craft every day, getting better every day. I'm excited to see him put it all together. He's working on it and he's growing fast.
"He's very humble and willing to learn. He has embraced the role of just being a guy who can really help us, and he wants to make sure he doesn't let the guys down."
Also Sunday:
*Jaguars Head Coach Marrone said he would be willing to start drafted rookies such as linebacker Quincy Williams and tight end Josh Oliver in the regular-season opener even if they have played no preseason games. Williams (knee) and Oliver (hamstring) have missed both games. The two third-round selections were projected to play key roles, with Williams working with the starters throughout the on-field portion of the offseason program and early in camp, and Oliver also working with the first-team often during that time. "I think you're going to put them in there if they give you the best chance to win," Marrone said. "If they don't perform well, then you go to Plan B and get someone else in there right away and move on from there." Marrone added that wouldn't be the ideal scenario. "I don't think anyone's OK with a guy that's never really played before," he said. "I think you're always going to question what's going to happen, what's it going to be like … but sometimes you have to put what you feel are the best players put there." Marrone said both players are on schedule in their rehabilitation.
*Marrone on Sunday said wide receiver Marqise Lee and the projected starting offensive line practiced as planned Saturday and "looked good." Lee was activated from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, a day that marked the first time the projected starting line of left tackle Cam Robinson, left guard Andrew Norwell, center Brandon Linder, right guard A.J. Cann and right tackle Jawaan Taylor had practiced together. Robinson had been activated from PUP last week; Norwell and Taylor both missed practice and the first two preseason games with injuries. "We're still going to go day-to-day on the decision on what we're going to do, but when they're out there and working, good things will happen," Marrone said of Lee and the offensive line. "When they're not out there, it's tough." Lee and the previously mentioned offensive linemen were working Sunday during the portion of practice open to the media.
*Also on Sunday, Ryquell Armstead practiced for a second consecutive day on what Marrone said was the rookie running back's last day in the concussion protocol Sunday. "If he can get through today and pass that, then obviously he'll be ready to play," Marrone said of Armstead, who sustained the injury in a Preseason Week 1 loss in Baltimore. "We're pulling for him to pass that to get himself back on the field and see what he can do."
*Marrone on fourth-year linebacker Myles Jack: "He's been great since Day One. He can play multiple positions. I can put him at Sam (strong-side linebacker) tomorrow, and he'd be a great Sam linebacker. I can put him at Will (weak-side linebacker), and he'll be a great Will linebacker. I can keep at Mike (middle linebacker) and he's a great Mike linebacker. I can put him at running back. He can play running back. There are a lot of things he can do, and we're fortunate to have him. He's done a really good job for us." Marrone was asked if he seriously would consider playing Jack at running back. "Yeah, if I lose them all," Marrone said of the other backs on the roster.
