Jaguars OTA Day 9 Recap: Dante Fowler 'The Best Athlete On The Field'

The Jaguars wrapped up their 9th OTA of the 2017 offseason on Thursday.

By Jordan de Lugo

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The Jaguars completed their 9th OTA on Thursday.

After the "practice" or "activity" or what ever the hell you want to call it defensive end Calais Campbell and tight end Mychal Rivera both spoke with the media.

Rivera talked about his transition to Jacksonville and how he would like to improve on his blocking and when asked about his dip in productivity for the Oakland Raiders (prior to being signed by the Jaguars this offseason) over the past couple of seasons Rivera replied "I can't Throw the ball to myself". Obviously Rivera is implying that he could have handled a heavier workload and been more productive. He got shoved down the depth chart when the Raiders selected tight end Clive Walford in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. The season prior Rivera put up an impressive 58 catches, for 534 yards, and 4 TDs, so there is precedent for Rivera having a large role on offense - only time will tell how big of a role he'll have in 2017. Rivera also revealed he switched his jersey number to his traditional 81, a number that became available after the Jaguars released veteran WR Bryan Walters. 

Another newcomer, Calais Campbell, also spoke to the media after practice. His comments were probably fairly refreshing for the Jaguars fans. Especially what he had to say about Dante Fowler. Campbell had this to say about the Jaguars young pass rusher:

He's the best athlete on the field . . . that guy's just special
Calais Campbell on Dante Fowler Jr.

Campbell did go onto clarify his statement. While he believes Fowler is the best athlete on the field (he isn't - see Jalen Ramsey) he acknowledges that Fowler has work to do on his technique and is working on that end. 

On the injury front:

Young "move" tight end Neal Sterling practiced with the team for the first on Thursday. Sterling had a minor breakout in 2017 with the injury to Julius Thomas, but in order for him to make a big impact on this team he'll have to earn it. He'll likely start the offseason as the Jaguars fourth tight end on the depth chart behind Marcedes Lewis, Mychal Rivera, and Ben Koyack. 

The Jaguars also announced their Veteran Mandatory Mini Camp dates for next week. Camp will be held June 13-15. 

Stay tuned fore more!

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