(Opening statement) “I hope everyone’s doing well. It was an interesting week, you know, there was a lot of transition. Going from 90 to 80 and then placing two players on IR – [Dontavius] Russell and [Brian] Price – and then making the move and cutting someone in the secondary – [Kobe] Williams at corner – and then bringing three guys in to basically take their spot, so that went on. Then getting down to 80 was a huge transition, more so operationally from the standpoint of moving people around. I think that the equipment room, the trainers, the weight room, the nutritionists, when we’re eating, there’s a lot of moving parts to this thing to make sure that everyone stays safe and we’re at a point now where this is the first time where we’ve been together as 80, so we kind of went with more towards the interactive meetings now where we’re practicing the physical distance. We’re not together with a large group except for really when we’re on the field and that’s what you guys are going to see tomorrow or when you guys come out. I think if someone came out and watched practice, you’ll see masks and things of that nature, I think you’ll pick up on that, but I don’t think it really probably does the justice of all the protocols that are really going on inside the building. I think right now everyone’s done a good job. Everyone’s protecting each other, maybe that’s not the right word, or their responsibility that they have and that’s what we’re working on. We’re preaching to the players patience and making sure that really that’s the number one goal before we get to the football part, where a lot of times this time of year it’s just football, football, football. I think there’s a lot going on and an awareness standpoint of not just what’s going on in the building but what’s going on on the outside. We’re going to be getting back and what’s going on with the schools and how does that affect our home life? Kids start going to school, they start doing things, I mentioned it before in the summer with the AAUs and things of that nature, so it takes a commitment to really put a stress on it and I think when these things come up the first thing everyone’s going to think is someone was negligent in their actions, but you don’t have to be negligent to get this virus. That’s still going on but as far as everything else, I like the way we’re practicing, I like the way the league has set it up with the PA, guys are getting in good shape, we’ve had a lot of time out on the field – it’s been hot. I think our acclimation maybe better right now than it would be – I know it’s better right now than it would be if we would’ve come in and gotten into pads earlier. If there’s any questions – we’re still working and we have Rodney Gunter who’s on NFI and Scott and the doctors are working hard with him and try to get him back so he can go. The only thing that we’re looking to do this week transitionally is I wouldn’t be surprised if James [O’Shaughnessy] comes off the PUP list. We’ll see how that goes. It doesn’t do anything roster-wise because the PUP counts as a roster spot, so I think we’ll be looking for that transition as the week goes.”
(On how concerning is it to not have 5-6 defensive linemen at this stage) “I’m not going to say it’s not a concern, right? That would be ridiculous. It would be a lack of awareness. Yes, it was a concern. I think that we’re fortunate, I feel fortunate, even some of the players that we’ve picked up lately have really looked good out there. Again, we’re not doing anything football-wise, we don’t have pads on, but the guys we’ve brought in and the guys we’re bringing in, obviously Carl Davis is a guy we have experience with and we’re bringing in guys that we feel have a chance. I think where you get disappointed is if you’re bringing in players just to survive practice and not bringing in people who have an opportunity to make the team, so I think we have got guys who have good numbers, good intangibles, they show some flexibility. Some of these guys that we’re signing have bounced around a little bit and they’re chomping at the bit to try to get a job. So I feel comfortable with the guys we’re bringing in here, but like you said we have to be careful. I think when you’re at 80 it kind of changes my thought process as far as reps and practice and things of that nature because when you’re at 80 and you’re minus the four specialists, now you’re at 76 and you talk about injuries and now of all a sudden you’re down low and I think you can hurt yourself looking at the twos and threes if you’re doubling their reps and you’re not really giving them a chance to compete or show what they have. I’m looking at some adjustments, I’ve been talking with Jay [Gruden] and [Todd] Washabout them because it’s more offense and defense and I think I have a good feel. I’m not ready to say it, it’s not big thing but I feel good about what we’re going to do.”
(On how the team has handled protecting players from the virus) “I think it’s a very fluid situation. We’re all trying, I think that that’s not the case. I don’t think it’s a case of someone, like I said before, being negligent; until we see that we’ll know. Again, I really can’t predict it. I really have no idea. It’s amazing the habits that are being created – the masks, the masks in the locker room – any time you walk into this building you’re going to see everyone have a mask on. The amount of hand sanitizer that’s around, the amount of arrows and signage and that’s what I’m saying – the things you guys won’t be able to see – it’s good. If we’re sitting here and we’re saying ‘Oh, this is crazy,’ it’s not, it’s the right thing to do and everyone’s taking the steps to make sure it’s done. I think it’s very fluid and I don’t ever feel confident that it’s beaten but it’s just a matter of keep on doing the right thing and see how it goes.”
(On if he speaks with Leonard Fournette about trade rumors in the past) “His mindset is great, he’s done a nice job, he looks good, he’s in shape, he’s been working hard. I think depending on the person, depending on the situation, you’ve got to be careful. If you’re a head coach and you’re going to chase every rumor or everything that’s out there, once you do that it becomes valid, does that make sense? Unless it’s something that I feel, if I feel something towards a player then I’m going to bring him and talk to him, but I also tell the player, ‘Hey, if something’s on your mind, if something’s bothering you, I expect you to be able to do the same thing.’ Things come out there, if I hear rumors or things like that, but Leonard’s been great. He hasn’t said anything, he’s been working hard. Like everyone said, everyone right now is probably just getting used to the protocols and getting themselves ready and he’s done a really good job. I mean he looks good, he really does when he’s out there.”
(On the depth situation and expectations of Taven Bryan and a rookie) “With Taven it’s a little bit easier, the expectations. I really felt that we probably didn’t help him early on in his career. We were moving him a little bit. Technically, technique-wise, that probably stopped a little bit of the growth. When we kept him in one spot and working on the technique in the one position, you really saw some growth and saw him make some plays. So, real happy about that. I really think he will take another big step this year. He took a big step last year, where he was able to be productive and make plays. I feel really good about him. He’s always been a hard worker. He’s always been extremely strong, but from what I have seen right now, so far in camp, is someone that is really, really focused, really working on his game. I’m looking to see him take a big step for us this year, and I think it will help. With [K’Lavon] Chaisson, I think it’s the same thing. Let’s make sure we learn from the things in the past and get him out there and let’s see what he can do. He’s a heck of an athlete now, he can do so many different things. He’s big, he’s strong, he’s fast, he’s powerful, but let’s make sure we don’t make mistakes like we have in the past. Let’s make sure that we have him in the position where he’s very comfortable, and he’s able to be productive. We’re not just putting him out there just to fill a position. He’s a real smart guy, which really helps. He’s real bright. I think that one is, let’s just see how it goes as we work our way through camp.”
(On how long Rodney Gunter may be out) “No, I think it’s a fluid situation. I would say at least a couple of days. I don’t think anyone needs to ask me in the next four or five days until we figure some things out, and then he’s fine. He’s heavily involved. We are talking to him daily. We are just trying to do the right thing, working with the doctors and working it out to get him back on the field. The sooner, the better for all of us including him, but it’s just a matter of it might take some time.”
(On the college football season potentially being cancelled) “I have read about that stuff, when we weren’t practicing, meaning before we reported to camp. I don’t feel good commenting on it because I don’t know what the challenges are for the college programs. I have heard about it, but I’m sure their challenges are a whole lot greater than our challenges. We have a bunch of guys that, it’s their job and their profession. It’s a little bit better of a control of environment for them. There’s a lot of empathy I have for the people, I know there’s great fans, great sponsors, and great support, but I look at it like with my son. You’re working hard, you’re working hard and all of a sudden the year is taken away from you or pushed back for you. I feel a little bit of that because I’m so focused on our team right now, but the closest I get to it is when I go home. I talk to my wife, and it’s like, ‘your son and his friends, I feel bad and its upsetting.’ We all go through that for everyone. It’s not just sports. It’s not just football, it’s all sports, it’s for all clubs, you feel that for everyone. Again, we’re trying to conquer this virus. It’s a difficult time for a lot of people, and it makes you look back and maybe we have taken some things for granted. The ability to go out there, the ability to play, the ability to be a part of this, the ability, I never thought I would say, ‘I like school when I was growing up,’ but now all of a sudden it’s like, ‘wow, if that was taken away from me, I don’t know how it would be.’ I try to put myself in with what these other people are going through and it’s difficult. I have never gone through anything like this.”
(On how things are with Myles Jack and Joe Schobert) “Great, no issues. I wouldn’t have even thought of it. They both communicate well together. They both like each other. They both seem to be getting along great, so that’s all pluses. I don’t think my expectation would have been any different than that. I think they are both excited to play together, I really do.”
(On the roster transaction of Tramaine Brock, and how much his experience as an 11-year veteran at CB factored into the decision) “It did factor into it. What happened was, if we would have lost a younger player, by example, we would have brought a younger player in. Thinking about how we wanted to build that room and build that position, when Rashaan [Melvin] left, we wanted to bring someone in that has experience, that has the length to play outside, that has done that before. That is important. At least you know what you’re getting. Tramaine is a really good player, and he’s played well in this league at times. We’re excited to have him. We’re excited that he was even out there, to be honest with you. Probably because some people looked at age or looked at other things. I have been around enough to know that some people, it’s just different. So when Tramaine comes in here, we’re excited to see him. To answer your question, it was more for getting another veteran in that room, a guy that’s done it before. Someone who has the ability to make this team in that position, depending on how he performs and earns it. You will see a lot of that where, if we feel we needed someone from an experience standpoint and a security standpoint, you will see us go with people that are a little bit older. Whereas, maybe for the younger player, we might bring in another young guy too.”
(On which position group he feels most comfortable with at this point in time) “For me, I’m not going to say it’s a trick question, but the way I answer that is, ‘it’s tricky for me,’ I should say. When I get to the 53 [man roster], and I have seen guys play, I’m going to feel more comfortable with where we are with a lot of the positions. From the standpoint now, outside of what occurred with the defensive line, that’s the only place I didn’t really worry. I can say, where I feel like we have better depth than maybe in years past, definitely the tight end position. We’ve got a lot of guys there, but we still have not seen them. As far as their movement, skills, and what they have been doing, you feel good. We have a lot of numbers at running back. That’s more numbers than it is guys who are going to make the team. We’ve got four quarterbacks. We are down numbers wise at the o[ffensive] line, but with the way we are going to practice, we have two out and twelve on the field, but a lot of those guys are back. As a coach, you might feel a little bit more comfortable with that, but I’m always looking at, ‘is that a security blanket that may be a blind spot for me, if I’m not really evaluating that situation well.’ We have a bunch of receivers in, we have got seven safeties, nine corner[back]s. As far as bodies at the positions, I feel comfortable. As far as competition, I’m looking forward to it. Then when it gets to the 53 [man roster], I will have a better shot, and I think we will all know, if we’re a little light somewhere or things of that nature. I don’t think you could ever go into a season saying, ’53 [man roster], everything is perfect.’ Even if you feel that way, it’s not going to last long. That’s a little bit of a difficult question for me to answer, but I hope I answered it by telling you how I feel about each one.”
(On if the first week of training camp will still look similar to the way it’s been done in the past even without preseason) “When I first started to realize there might not be preseason games I went back to college and how we did things in college, just to get a feel, not to say we want it exactly like that. I started to get a feel, then all of a sudden, I started to realize in college we had 100-something players and now we’re down to 80. Then, I had to relook at things to see what I wanted to do and look to see where I wanted to implement days where I wanted to get some work in, some live work, some live contact. Not to put anyone in any jeopardy of injury, but to make sure we’re ready for the season. If I was to approach this year cold like we’re going to come out that first week and it’s going to be the same, there’s nothing that’s the same that’s going on. I had a conversation last night with a colleague and he was asking me the same thing and it’s just different. There’s nothing the same so there’s going to be changes and tweaks and different things and I think probably now more than ever if you had 32 cameras around the league I think in the past you could pretty much look and a lot of people were doing the same thing. I think this year is going to be 32 cameras with a lot of different people doing a lot of different things, whatever they feel is best. I just think for us as coaches, we have to make decisions on what we feel is the best way to get our teams ready and have a productive camp.”
(On his impressions of Joe Schobert and his knowledge on defense) “I really love his demeanor. It’s a tense demeanor when he needs to be tense but he’s also light when it needs to be light which I think is good. I think he can recover quickly and faster. I think his communication is excellent. I think a lot of the time when you look at players who come in, especially veteran guys, you see if they have a system or type of structure for them to get ready, he seems to have that. He picks up on things very well, works on trying to get the people around him better, but I think we knew a lot of that coming in, even with his past in college. I know a lot of guys on that staff and it makes you feel good that at least those people won’t lie to you. Sometimes you get a guy and they tell you a bunch of crap then you get the kid in here and you realize you aren’t close with that guy and cross him off your Christmas list. Everything’s been good on my end and I’m really excited. That group of players back there, we got some young guys that we’ve picked up that are really sharp. We got some guys that are coming back that, like the second year for a guy like Quincy [Williams]’s going to help him. Dakota [Allen]’s done a great job for us; I mean really all those guys on that stack position. I think we’ll have a battle at the linebacker position.”
(On Josh Oliver’s mindset and his expectations for him this year) “I’m ready for him to go. I’m not saying that in a bad way. There’s not much to evaluate now so you evaluate the things that you can, and you guys haven’t even seen these guys yet up close and personal. I think Josh is one of those guys when he walks in, you’re going to go ‘Whoa.’ He looks put together; he looks bigger. He’s stronger on the sled, stronger in the weight room. He looks explosive. He’s obviously healthy. So, you’re looking at a guy whose got a lot of the characteristics that you want. Then you got a guy like Tyler Eifert who’s out there and he’s looking like this guy could be good. He’s a guy who has played and is going to be able to help him and that’s the one thing about Josh. He’s like a sponge, he’ll take all the information in and he’s been productive and looks good out there running around. The main thing for me is he looks stronger and a lot of the time when you’re a young player, especially in that position where sometimes your matchups are going to be against bigger, stronger players, like defensive linemen with the added strength, the added technique and leverage develops a little bit of confidence and for some reason he looks like a more confident type of player and being able to go out there and compete.”
(On if he thinks having a young team could be a disadvantage) “I always try to be a realist about things. People say we have the youngest team in the league, and I think it’s good. These guys are going to go out there and some teams will have veteran players and they think it’s good because they know what to do, they know how to get themselves ready, they know how to play. I think you need a balance for everything, but I think right now I feel like we have a balance. I don’t know about an advantage or disadvantage; I think that’s something that maybe when you look back and fall short or things didn’t go as you expected, I think we’ll go back and have regrets, wishing you would’ve done this or wishing you would’ve done that. I think what I’m trying to do is manage both types of players, with a veteran guy I’m trying to manage in a different way than I imagine the younger players. Not to say one is right or wrong, but I think instead of trying to take one way and put it on all players, I’m trying to look at where should I maybe rest some of these older guys or guys who have had a history of injuries and trying to get them ready. Then these young guys, how do I go with them where I don’t overdo it but I don’t get a good chance to have a good evaluation for them to compete, so I’m just trying to manage and do a little of both without having the numbers. When you’re in college you got 100 guys and it’s a whole lot easier to do, even at 90 it’s a little bit easier. But when you’re at 80, or let’s call it 76 with a couple guys out, then you have to be smart. I’m not saying there’s a right way or wrong way, but you have to be smart with who to play, especially when each guy is a little bit different.”
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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed 11th-year CB Tramaine Brock, fifth-year DT Carl Davis and fifth-year DL Caraun Reid. In addition, the Jaguars waived rookie CB Kobe Williams.
Brock, 6-0, 188, has appeared in 117 career games (56 starts) in stints with San Francisco (2010-16), Minnesota (2017), Denver (2018), Arizona (2019) and Tennessee (2019) and totaled 241 tackles, 55 passes defensed and 11 INTs. He played in 14 regular season games (11 starts) in 2019, seeing action in 10 games with Arizona and four games with Tennessee and totaled 50 tackles and five passes defensed. He started all three postseason games with the Titans last season and posted 11 tackles and three passes defensed.
Brock attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (2007-08) prior to transferring to Minnesota for his junior year (2009) and finishing his collegiate career at Belhaven University (2010). He attended Long Beach High School in Long Beach, Miss.
Davis, 6-5, 320, has appeared in 36 games with 12 starts in his five-year NFL career. He signed with the Jaguars following Week 12 of the 2019 season and saw action in two games, making one tackle. Prior to signing with Jacksonville, Davis spent time with Baltimore (2015-17) and Cleveland (2018). He has 32 career tackles, three passes defensed and two tackles for loss.
Davis played at Iowa from 2010-14 and appeared in 43 games, starting 26, and was a two-time Second-Team All-Big Ten selection. He attended Stevenson (Sterling Heights, Mich.) High School and was first-team all-state as a senior in 2009.
Reid, 6-2, 292, was originally drafted by Detroit in the fifth round (158th overall) of the 2014 draft and played for the Lions from 2014-15. He played with the Chargers in 2016, did not appear in a game in 2017 and played with the Cowboys in 2018 and Cardinals in 2019. Reid has totaled 50 tackles, 3.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries (both for TDs), including a career-high 29 tackles and 2.0 sacks in 2015.
Reid played collegiately at Princeton from 2009-13 and was named a finalist for the Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. He became the fourth player in school history to earn First-Team All-Ivy League honors when he did so in 2013 after totaling 26 tackles, 6.5 sacks, one INT and one blocked kick. He attended Mount Saint Michael Academy in Bronx, N.Y.
