Jaguars Continue Taking A Very Different Approach To Mandatory Minicamp

The NFL calls it "mandatory minicamp" because every team gathers for what is typically the last few days of work before an extended break, and all players under contract must attend or risk being fined.

This week 22 NFL teams are conducting their mandatory minicamps. But one of those is not like the others.

The Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday began a sort-of-mandatory minicamp because coach Doug Pederson excused a swath of veterans from the work.

Trevor Lawrence did not have his fastball against the Chargers. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)

Trevor Lawrence Among Jags Getting Time Off

So quarterback Trevor Lawrence is not at mandatory minicamp. Neither are running back Travis Etienne, tight end Evan Engram, offensive tackle Cam Robinson, guard Brandon Scherff, receiver Christian Kirk, guard Ezra Cleveland, center Mitch Morse, outside linebacker Travon Walker, inside linebacker Foyesade Oluokun, cornerback Ronald Darby, cornerback Tyson Campbell and others.

The Jaguars, with 82 players on their current roster, have 63 players at their minicamp.

Pederson has done this to some degree in the past. So why is he turning the NFL upside down (not really) and giving players he feels are proven veterans and are not coming off injuries or rehabilitating injuries time off? 

A reward clearly has something to do with it because Pederson is obviously pleased with the manner the team handled the three phases of organized team activities (OTAs).

"It was successful from the standpoint of the way these guys worked, the way they came in with the right attitude, good frame of mind," Pederson said. "They worked extremely hard in the weight room to get stronger, which we needed to do as well.

"But I think, too, you're seeing the leadership of the team. You're seeing, we talked about Trevor and his impact. And him taking that next step and what I've seen there. And the positivity there. And guys like Chrisitian Kirk coming back healthy."

Pederson said he's seen pieces come together "here at the end."

CANTON, OHIO - AUGUST 04: NBC Sports field reporter Melissa Stark interviews head coach Doug Pederson of the Jacksonville Jaguars at halftime of the 2022 Pro Hall of Fame Game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on August 04, 2022 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

‘Don’t Need Any Setbacks'

There is also the added advantage that players not working during mandatory minicamp won't get injured – at least not at the training facility doing football activities.

"Bottom line, too, you don't want guys getting hurt this late in the offseason," Pederson said, "because it'll set them back for training camp…

"We don't need any setbacks at this time."

Pederson, a former player and Super Bowl winning coach with the Philadelphia Eagles, obviously sees mandatory minicamp through a different lens than other coaches.

He played for Don Shula who usually milked every available moment out of players on the practice field – even in South Florida's oppressive summer heat.

Pederson had his players work in the team's indoor practice field Monday. And he sees mandatory minicamp merely as an extension to OTAs.

"It's really the same," Pederson said. "Call it what you want, minicamp, whatever. I mean, it's really an extension of Phase III, you know, for us and just the development process and continuing that. 

"And really, not having a lot of the vets out there, it's a great opportunity for these young players to get the bulk of the work."

Josh Allen Meets Coaches At Minicamp

It should be noted that some veterans are indeed participating in the Jaguars' minicamp. Receiver Gabe Davis is present. Edge rusher Josh Allen, who missed OTAs to train in Arizona, is present and meeting with new defensive coaches. Devin Duvernay, signed as a free agent, is present.

And Mac Jones is present.

He will be taking the first-team snaps during Lawrence's excused absence.

So what does this all mean?

The micro view is the Jaguars are just going about their business differently than most NFL teams.

But don't dismiss the idea that, from a macro view, someone will use this approach as a way of making a case that mandatory minicamps are unnecessary. That point will be strengthened by the fact some coaches cut the period from three days to two and others use some of the time to go on team bonding activities, such as the Patriots will do Tuesday.

The NFLPA, you'll recall, is investigating a proposal to end all spring offseason activities altogether and merely extend the length of training camp by starting earlier.

That idea has met resistance in some corners of the NFL and support in others. Maybe a different idea that would include cutting mandatory minicamp while keeping other spring activities might work as part of a compromise.

It would probably have no pushback from the Jacksonville Jaguars under Doug Pederson.