Jaguars kick off OTAs with new faces and fresh energy

Week one of organized team activities (OTAs) for the Jacksonville Jaguars kicked off with phases of what fans can expect from the team.

There are plenty of new faces wearing teal and white on the practice field.

Aside from the new faces on both sides of the snap, there is Ryan Nielsen, the new face on the sideline. Nielsen is the defensive coordinator for the Jaguars. Earlier in the week, he said the defensive unit will have to work for their spot on the field.

Head coach Doug Pederson said he likes what he has seen from Nielsen so far.

“Gosh, he’s an outstanding guy with the staff,” Pederson said. “Defensively, just getting those guys prepared and introducing his scheme and his philosophy to the defense and then preparing the players.”

“What I’ve seen during phase two, there’s a lot of teaching and coaching going on that these guys need. I think just the way that he approaches each day as just a learning opportunity and a teaching moment.”

“I’ll tell you this, now he loves mixing it up with the players. He’ll get in there and demonstrate an individual drill or fall on a loose ball fumble, whatever it might be. He doesn’t mind getting dirty so that’s pretty cool,” said Pederson.