2009 Jaguars training camp off to a fast and physical start

David Garrard. (AP Photo/Phil Coale)

Training camp is underway in Jacksonville, and the one key thing I've noticed during my attendance is that the team seems unified. Maurice Drew started a movement that involves growing out your beard, and players, some coaches, and fans have caught on. Beards aside, the team has the appearance of a cohesive team, no longer a collection of me-first players. Players are chatting with eachother and coaches, giving praise where it's due and young guys are getting a lot of pep talk from mentors.

Now here are some things I've noticed about the players.

Mike Walker has bulked up as he prepares for what could be his breakout season. He appeared a bit sluggish in his first practice, but since then, he's flashed the smooth moves and soft hands that he's been known for. Assuming he remains healthy, he will be the team's number 2 receiver. The other receivers all have flashed quickness and hands for the most part, with Tiquan Underwood making the biggest splash of all the rookie receivers, beating cornerbacks on deep routes consistently. Torry Holt practices only once a day, but I assure you he will be 100% ready when the regular season starts.

David Garrard, for the most part, has been on target with his passes. The accuracy on the deep ball isn't always there, which has never been his forte, but it is common for QB's to look a little rusty early on as they develop more chemistry with their receivers. Garrard only has two receivers on the roster from 2008, so he has a lot of work to do if the team wants to have a viable passing game.

The only person missing is first round pick Eugene Monroe, as he continues negotiations for a contract. As of right now, the two parties aren't close to a deal, and although this might worry some fans, it's not too much of a concern. Monroe needs to come to camp if he wants to start, but Tra Thomas has filled in nicely as the starter. The other rookie tackle, Eben Britton, has shown aggressiveness, but has also shown his share of rookie moments. He is still battling for the starting RT position against Tony Pashos, and neither have set himself apart from the competition yet.

As for the running backs, Jones Drew remains the main threat, but Greg Jones has flashed speed and quickness that reminds me of his 2005 season, where he gained 575 yards on the ground. The team would welcome anyone on the roster to be effective and give Drew a break, and Jones is the prime candidate. The younger backs, second year player Chauncey Washington and rookie Rashad Jennings, both look good at times, and the two appear deadlocked in their competition for the 3rd RB spot on the depth chart.

Out of all the rookies, Derek Cox has made the most of his time on the field, breaking up passes here and there and often sticking to his receiver like glue. The 3rd round pick out of William & Mary has seen time playing starting corner opposite Rashean Mathis at times. If he continues, he can start in this league. That would move Brian Williams either to safety or nickel corner.

From the safety position, they've seen players in and out of the first team as well. Gerald Alexander and Marlon McCree are seemingly in a battle for the starting position. I would give McCree the nod only due to his extensive resmume, and the fact that Alexander is coming off a serious injury. Alexander has looked good though, not looking stiff or out of place. Free agent pickup Sean Considine has missed time and is on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list with a strained calf. Nothing serious though, as he is expected to be back on the field by the end of the week.

The starting linebackers look excellent. All of them are flying around to the ball and making plays. There are no concerns here, just big hit after big hit.

Now for arguably the biggest concern, the defensive line. DT Atiyyah Ellison has seen time as starting DT alongside Henderson, with Harvey and Hayward mostly starting at the end positions. No one has stood out, but it's early in camp, and soon the cream will rise to the top.

As for special teams, Podlesh is battling against Steve Weatherford, who was signed last year after Podlesh went down with an injury. As of now, Podlesh seems to have the edge, but the competition will heat up as camp rolls along.

In other training camp news, the team conducted its popular Oklahoma drill tonight. I wasn't able to attend, but Jaguars.com and Paul Kuharsky have chimed in on what went down. Links are below.

The next big event on the training camp schedule is the team scrimmage inside the stadium, set for Saturday night at 7p.m.

FOR FURTHER READING...
On Oklahoma and Beyond
Jags Make the Pads Pop in Oklahoma