Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson, Hall of Fame defensive end Dwight Freeney and former Cy Young Award winner John Smoltz participated in a Zoom call with media Tuesday to preview next week’s American Century Celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe. Here are some of the topics discussed during the call.
Elijah Cooks progressing in pros
Ex-Nevada wide receiver Elijah Cooks, who signed an undrafted free-agent deal with the Jaguars last offseason, played in nine games for the franchise as a rookie, appearing as a receiver and on special teams unit. His biggest contribution came during the Jaguars’ week 16 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when caught three passes for 38 yards in a 30-12 loss.
As spring OTAs came and went and mandatory minicamps began, Pederson said the coaching staff is excited for Cooks’ second season with the team. Cooks is currently a third-stringer for Jacksonville, whose top receivers include Christian Kirk, first-round pick Brian Thomas Jr. and free-agent addition Gabe Davis.
“In anything with young players, it’s about, ‘How much can they contribute? Where can they contribute?” Pederson said. “He had a really good spring this year. He came in with the right frame of mind. He’s picking up our system and doing well. So, looking forward to camp and seeing him grow as an athlete and as a player.”…