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5 storylines to follow ahead of the Jacksonville Jaguars' OTAs, which start Monday

John Reid
Florida Times-Union
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws a pass during early third quarter action. The Jacksonville Jaguars hosted the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida for the Jaguars final game of the season Sunday, January 9, 2022. The Jaguars finished out their season with a 26 to 11 victory over the Colts. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]

Last season, Trevor Lawrence gained valuable experience, starting all 17 games as a rookie quarterback and becoming a leader.

But Jacksonville Jaguars coach Doug Pederson wants Lawrence to hit the reset button starting Monday for the first of 10 on-field voluntary practices over the next three weeks, followed by a three-day mandatory minicamp on June 13-15. 

Since taking the head coach job in February, it will be Pederson and his offensive staff's first opportunity to put Lawrence through live reps in 9-on-7, 7-on-7, and 11-on-11. They will be in helmets but no pads because contact is not permitted.   

The organized team activity workouts are a critical step for Pederson and offensive coordinator Press Taylor to help Lawrence make a possible crucial step in his development for Year 2 by learning a new system.

"The thing with Trevor that I like is that he played last year, so this is not his rookie season," Pederson said. "But for us, as coaches, being the first time to get our hands on him and just putting him through maybe a different set of drills, something he hasn't been used to in his past.

"It's teaching him exactly what we're asking of him within our system and then letting him grow."

At the top of the objective list for Pederson and Taylor is getting Lawrence to become a more accurate passer and have a better touchdown-interception ratio. Last year, Lawrence finished tied with Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matt Stafford for the most interceptions in the NFL with 17, and he had just 12 touchdown passes. 

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Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) warms up before the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

1. Trevor Lawrence must establish a connection with new WRs

The first order of business offensively during the 10 OTAs workouts is Lawrence learning the tendencies of his new receivers Christian Kirk, Zay Jones and tight end Evan Engram, who will be used as an outside receiver in some formations.

Kirk gives the Jaguars new hope to emerge as a top downfield target for Lawrence. The Jaguars definitely think so after extending Kirk a four-year, $72 million contract in free agency. Kirk has to show he can play both in the slot and outside and consistently beat one-on-one coverage.

Jones must show the same capability on the outside as a downfield target who can stretch the defense. It is the second consecutive year, Lawrence must learn a new playbook on the fly and adjust to a new offensive coordinator but nothing appears to be too big for Lawrence to catch on to quickly.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (10) can't get control of a pass on the goal line at the end of the second quarter of play against the Colts. The Jacksonville Jaguars hosted the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida for the Jaguars final game of the season Sunday, January 9, 2022. The Jaguars finished out their season with a 26 to 11 victory over the Colts. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]

2. Laviska Shenault must step up

Wide receiver Laviska Shenault may have the most to prove because he could still be the odd man out in the rotation, especially if undrafted free agent Kevin Austin shows playmaking potential.

Shenault has to improve as a pass-catcher, avoid drops and show he has improved as a route runner over the next three weeks and carry it over when training camp opens on July 24.

Jaguars first round draft pick (44) OLB Travon Walker warms up with teammates Friday afternoon during Rookie Minicamp. The Jacksonville Jaguars held their first Rookie Minicamp on the turf of TIAA Bank Field Friday afternoon, May 13, 2022. Among those in attendance were the team's 2022 draft picks.

3. All eyes on No. 1 pick Travon Walker

The organized team activity workouts give No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker to build a rapport with the veterans and allow him an opportunity to draw significant reps at outside linebacker in live drills.

Walker appeared to pick up things quickly during last week's three-time rookie minicamp. However, getting an opportunity to be on the field with the veterans allows the Jaguars' defensive coaches to see if he can improve his rush moves and pass coverage ability steadily.

First-round linebacker Devin Lloyd and third-round linebacker Chad Muma also must show they can catch on quickly and make plays throughout the 11-on-11 work.

Lloyd is a potential star because he read plays well, and his athleticism enables him to emerge as an asset in pass coverage.

Defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell is going to run a defense that includes numerous sub-packages that are likely to have Muma playing in the middle and blitzing.

Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor (75) during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets at TIAA Bank Field, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Gary Lloyd McCullough/For The Florida Times-Union]

4. Jawaan Taylor vs. Walker Little

This expected competition battle at right tackle between Jawaan Taylor and Walker Little won't heat up until training camp begins.

However, good first impressions carry a significant impact and Taylor must come ready to compete and improve starting with Day 1 of OTAs.

A big difference from last season is that Pederson made a point to have better competition at all positions. Walker showed signs at the end of last season that he can perform well when allowed to start. 

Jacksonville Jaguars safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2) can't get to San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) as he scores a touchdown during the second quarter at TIAA Bank Field Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021 in Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Jaguars hosted the San Francisco 49ers during a regular season NFL game. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

5. Players who need a strong showing

Running back Travis Etienne needs reps after missing all of last season with the Lisfranc injury to his left foot. Etienne said last month that he was about 85 to 90 percent recovered from the injury.

But most significant during OTAs will be whether Etienne still has his tremendous breakaway speed? Also, drawing plenty of interest will be how Pederson and Taylor utilize Etienne.

Do they see him as a dual-threat and will get some snaps as a wide receiver? Or will he exclusively play running back and bring him along gradually to avoid risking an injury setback.

James Robinson is still working his back from surgery in December to repair a torn Achilles tendon and is not expected to participate in the OTA workouts.

Ben Bartch started 11 games in place of injured A.J. Cann (knee) at right guard last season. But Pederson indicated last week that Bartch is moving to left guard because Brandon Scherff, a five-time Pro Bowler signed in free agency, is starting at right guard.

Bartch has to show he belongs as the starting left guard and needs to have a productive final phase of the offseason program.

If not, Tyler Shatley could play the spot, especially with third-round pick Luke Fortner emerging as the potential starter at center. Fortner must show he can catch on quickly.

Safety still appears to be a trouble spot and the Jaguars did not address the position in free agency or the draft. Free safety Rayshawn Jenkins started the first 14 games last season before he was lost for the rest of the season with an ankle injury.

But he has to do a better job in coverage and second-year safety Andre Cisco must insert himself starting with the OTAs as a player who can make the right reads and force takeaways.

If Andrew Wingard outperforms Cisco, it's a sign that GM Trent Baalke may have made a mistake drafting Cisco is a third-round pick in 2021.