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Jacksonville Jaguars' Jourdan Lewis trying to be the leader he wanted when he was rookie
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- Jacksonville Jaguars' Jourdan Lewis trying to be the leader he wanted when he was rookie
The Jacksonville Jaguars went to "overtime" during their second mandatory minicamp practice, giving fans an extra chance to see the team perform before they dismissed for the summer.
As Jacksonville's offense took the field, everyone at the Miller Electric Center wanted to see rookie two-way player Travis Hunter get the ball.
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And the team tried to give the fans what they wanted.
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Quarterback Trevor Lawrence tossed a pass toward the left corner of the end zone where Hunter sprung into the air to try to corral the ball.
But Hunter was met by cornerback Jourdan Lewis , who emphatically broke up the pass with a deflection.
The entire Jaguars defense ran over to celebrate the play as Lewis showed the playmaking ability that made him the first signee in Jacksonville's free agent class this year.
" When I got signed , (general manager James Gladstone) told me just be who I am," Lewis said.
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Jourdan Lewis ready to take leadership reins for Jacksonville Jaguars
From left, Jacksonville Jaguars safety Antonio Johnson (26), safety Daniel Thomas (20), cornerback Tyson Campbell (3), safety Andrew Wingard (42) and cornerback Jourdan Lewis (2) walk off the field during the first organized team activity at Miller Electric Center Monday, May 19, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla.
Being themselves is a calling card of this regime, encouraging players to raise the floor of the team by being who they are.
Lewis, headed into his ninth NFL season , is seen as a player who can elevate the Jaguars' secondary. A secondary that ranked last in the league in passing needed changes this offseason.
The Jaguars addressed the position by adding Lewis and drafting Hunter — who they fully intend to play on both sides of the ball.
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jourdan Lewis (2) answers questions after the Jacksonville Jaguars’ mandatory minicamp Tuesday June 10, 2025 at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
"He's a very special talent," Lewis said of Hunter. "It's just honing those things in, especially on the defensive end. Just understanding what we like to do and the different techniques, but he has the aptitude to understand how to do it on offense and defense."
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Hunter isn't the only young defensive back Lewis has helped. He trains with second-year player Jarrian Jones in the offseason. Now that he's here, he'll be a direct resource for Jones as he tries to keep elevating in his career.
"When I was coming into the league, I never really had a guy that took me under his wing and told me exactly what to do," Lewis said. "The do's and don'ts in the league. I just want those guys to understand that I'm here for them. I'm in their corner."
Versatility key for Jourdan Lewis, Jaguars' defense
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Tyson Campbell (3), Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Montaric Brown (30) and Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jourdan Lewis (2) runs through a drill during the Jacksonville Jaguars’ third mandatory minicamp Thursday June 12, 2025 at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
While Lewis is known for his ability as a nickel defender, he has the capabilities to play outside. It's something we could see depending on how quickly Hunter comes along with Jacksonville's defense.
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Lewis saw time opposite Tyson Campbell during offseason practices. He wasn't featured there heavily, but it's a look the team could lean on when going with a heavier defensive formation.
"I've been playing moreso inside here, but it's cool that Coach Milo [got] me some reps outside," Lewis said. "I'm getting adjusted to the defense and understanding how we want to play, but I feel like I can do both here."
Position flexibility is going to be key for Jacksonville's defense. Across all defensive roster spots, you'll see players asked to do more.
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jourdan Lewis (2) stretches during the fourth organized team activity at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. Tuesday, May 27, 2025. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
Whether that's defensive linemen positioning themselves across the line as edge rushers or interior rushers. Or linebackers playing on the line of scrimmage to help the pass rush.
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Same goes for safeties who'll drop into the box and provide additional support in run defense. Or players like Lewis and Jones playing inside and out.
The Jaguars are hoping to look different defensively this season and Lewis is hoping to be a big reason why.
"Just being a guy that I wanted when I was a rookie," Lewis said of his leadership. "Just trying to get them any types of nuggets I have to make them a better football player."
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: How Jaguars' Jourdan Lewis helps Travis Hunter, other young players
