New Jaguar's hands turn heads at rookie minicamp
The 2023 Jacksonville Jaguars rookie minicamp took place over the weekend, and while the players were only in helmets and jerseys (otherwise tongue-in-cheek called "underwear football"), it was the first opportunity to see some of the team's newest players flash their athleticism. And there was one in particular who caught the attention of some members […]
The 2023 Jacksonville Jaguars rookie minicamp took place over the weekend, and while the players were only in helmets and jerseys (otherwise tongue-in-cheek called "underwear football"), it was the first opportunity to see some of the team's newest players flash their athleticism.
And there was one in particular who caught the attention of some members of the Jacksonville media.
RB Tank Bigsby had a strong weekend, earning praise from two writers for – of all things – his hands.
Florida Times-Union Jags reporter Demetrius Harvey praised Bigsby's pass catching skills, along with his overall athleticism.
John Shipley of the Jaguar Report also praised Bigsby's performance, noting on Twitter that he had a "hell of a day." More specifically, Shipley stated:
No player had a better day on Saturday than third-round running back Tank Bigsby. The No. 88 overall pick wasn't able to show off what he can do in between the tackles yet since the practice consisted of just helmets and shorts, but Bigsby flashed in a big way as a pass-catcher and as an overall athlete. On the day, Bigsby caught three touchdown passes, with one coming on an angle route vs. a linebacker in 7-on-7 and two others coming in the red-zone vs. an 11-man defense. Bigsby nearly had a fourth score, too, but went out of bounds at the one-yard line as he turned upfield and attempted to keep his balance.
Sure, it's just rookie minicamp without the pads popping, but physicality and power weren't really questions about Bigsby coming into the draft. Many scouting reports praised him as a physical, athletic runner, but questioned his pass catching abilities, which has become a far more valued skill in today's NFL.
Bigsby couldn't have done much to provide a resounding response to those concerns this weekend.
The Jaguars have two excellent pass-catching backs on the roster in Travis Etienne and JaMycal Hasty, so the team isn't necessarily lacking that skill. That being said, if Bigsby can provide a pass catching element to his game, he gives the team flexibility to use him in passing situations and not telegraph what the team intends to do when they bring him into the game.
If Bigsby can transfer his speed and pass catching abilities into full pads and NFL game speed, then the Jags could have one of the most intriguing young one-two backfield punches in the NFL.
