AFC Notes: Jaguars, Jets, Patriots

Jaguars

Jaguars DE Dante Fowler believes a breakout season is coming for him after he missed his rookie year with a knee injury and was limited to four sacks in 2016.

“I think it will happen,” Fowler said, via Hays Carlyon of GridironNow.com. “It was a big learning experience for me last year on and off the field. That was my first year on the field. I was like a freshman in college all over again, getting used to the guys at this level. It gave me an idea of how big and strong some of these guys are.”

Fowler also mentioned that his conditioning is much better this year.

“I needed to get in better shape,” Fowler said. “I feel as strong as I’ve ever been and I feel like I’m in the best shape of my life. I dropped a couple pounds. I’m getting it back. I’m 248 now and trying to be at least 250-255 so I can hold my ground in the trenches and be able to be ready for those offensive linemen.”

Jets

• Rich Cimini of ESPN writes that Jets TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins is “making a concerted effort to improve himself, personally and professionally.”
• According to Cimini, the Jets have seen a “remarkable transformation” from Seferian-Jenkins the past few months, which has resulted in him dropping 25 pounds after he ended last year in the mid-280s.
• Cimini says that Seferian-Jenkins stood out during the team’s first OTA practice last week and demonstrated the athleticism and receiving ability that led to him being a second-round pick back in 2014.
• New Jets LT Kelvin Beachum missed the first week of OTAs. Cimini mentions that it’s his understanding that Beachum is experiencing some residual soreness on his surgically repaired knee.
• Cimini wouldn’t be surprised to see the Jets bring in a veteran return man at som point.

Patriots

• Mike Reiss of ESPN mentions that New Patriots WR Andrew Hawkins receives a one-year contract that’s a minimum salary benefit pact, which means he’ll make a base salary of $900,000, a bonus worth no more than $80,000 and his cap figure can’t be more than $695,000.
• Reiss adds that this is a great value contract for the Patriots, depending on what happens with their top receivers or if Hawkins performs well enough to win a roster spot by himself.
• During OTAs last week, Reiss says that Jonathan Jones got the majority of the work as the team’s No. 3 cornerback in their nickel package.
• While there has been some speculation about Dion Lewis‘ future in New England, he reportedly stood out in practice on Thursday. Reiss still sees a spot for him on the Patriots’ roster as a kickoff returner and reserve running back playing 15-20 snaps per game while also managing his health.