The Jaguars haven’t given fans many reasons for real hope in recent years. Through last week’s draft, new G.M. Dave Caldwell has provided fans with at least two guys who will generate a lot of hope, immediately.
Running back/receiver Denard Robinson and safety Johnathan Cyprien have raised eyebrows in the team’s rookie minicamp.
Robinson stood out in a rainy practice session on Friday, before heading to Michigan for his college graduation. “I know he’s a weapon from looking at all the college film. Now it’s a matter of what can he do best for us. He will primarily play running back, but we’re looking forward to be able to move him around to a lot of other spots as well,” offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch said of the converted quarterback, via Vito Stellino of the Florida Times-Union.
“One of our philosophies on offense is trying to get [the ball] in the playmakers’ hands,” Fisch added. “That’s why you saw him play some multiple positions just to see what he can do, what he can take on and give him a little bit of flavor.”
Cyprien, the first pick in round two and the next pick after the Ravens selected safety Matt Elam at the bottom of round one, also commanded attention.
“That was one guy who really showed up in my eyes,” coach Gus Bradley said of Cyprien, per Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union. “I was very pleased with his start.”
Mark Long of the Associated Press remarked that Cyprien was a “man among boys” at the Friday session, intercepting a Matt Scott pass that resulted in Scott spraining an ankle as he chased him.
While it’s important to remember that these sessions consist of rookies and tryout players going against other rookies and tryout players, it’s an encouraging start for a franchise that has a long way to go to return to competitiveness. Robinson and Cyprien could be key pieces in the effort to turn things around.