Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell reiterated a familiar refrain on Friday when it comes to the health of prized rookies Jalen Ramsey and Myles Jack.
Don’t worry.
The Jaguars are counting on Ramsey and Jack to add a dynamic element to their revamped defense this season.
Ramsey was selected with the fifth-overall pick to become a shutdown cornerback. He underwent surgery on May 24 to repair a small meniscus tear in his right knee.
Caldwell traded up to select Jack in the second round. The athletic linebacker fell in the draft because of longevity concerns over his knee.
Caldwell spoke about the two players prior to the team’s practice on Friday.
Ramsey has attended practices this week and is walking without crutches with a wrap on the knee.
“He is doing really well,” Caldwell said. “He’s out here now and you see him walking around. He feels great. The expectation is he’ll be 100 percent ready for training camp [in late July] and probably even before then.”
Jaguars coach Gus Bradley said he’s making a point to speak to Ramsey during practice.
“It’s awesome [that he’s out here],” Bradley said. “Even though he’s watching, I’ve quizzed him on the sideline. He’s getting [mental] reps, so he’s doing everything that he can do.”
Jack couldn’t participate in the organized team activities because of academic regulations. He will arrive after UCLA’s classes end on June 10 and be on the field for the three-day mandatory minicamp starting June 14. Jack was allowed to come to EverBank Field for a physical last week.
“He looked just like he did when he was here for rookie minicamp,” Caldwell said. “No issues.”
Caldwell met with the media to further discuss Thursday’s contract extension for receiver Allen Hurns. The four-year deal is worth $40 million with $20 million guaranteed.
The Jaguars signed Hurns as an undrafted free agent in 2014.
“It was kind of extraordinary circumstances with him being a college free agent, but he’s an extraordinary individual,” Caldwell said. “We want to make sure we treat our guys right. We felt like it was well deserved.”
Hurns caught 64 passes for 1,031 yards and 10 touchdowns last year in his second season.
He has 16 touchdowns in his career.
“He’s done it two years in a row,” Caldwell said. “This wasn’t just a one-year wonder and that’s another reason why we felt comfortable with it. Two years of production, plus the type of person and character he is. It was the right decision on our part.”
Caldwell also addressed other topics.
■ On left tackle Kelvin Beachum’s return:
We’ll just take it day by day,” Caldwell said. “I don’t think we have an actual target date.”
Beachum signed as a free agent from Pittsburgh to replace Luke Joeckel, but is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered last October. Caldwell had previously said the team was hopeful to have Beachum cleared in early August.
Beachum has been working out on a side field during OTAs.
■ On whether offensive lineman Luke Bowanko’s hip injury is season ending:
“No, we’ll know more once camp starts,” Caldwell said. “He’ll start the season on PUP [physically unable to perform list].
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