(03-09-2021, 06:45 PM)TheDuke007 Wrote:

(03-08-2021, 08:59 PM)Bullseye Wrote: We are in complete agreement, though I am unsure if we sign a TE in free agency.

Why?  I think it's likely they sign either Henry or Smith and would be very surprised if they didn't at least try.  It just makes too much sense to me.

First, it's a huge need.  Remember that they cut Tyler Eifert.  James O'Shaugnessy is also an unrestricted free agent.  If the season were to start today, Josh Oliver would be top of the depth chart at tight end.  Although he is a former third round pick, he's been unable to stay healthy and has only played in four games and only has 3 career receptions.  If he's not healthy (and many question if he will be), Tyler Davis is our top tight end.  He's a sixth rounder from last year who played sparingly and has never made a single reception.  We clearly need to upgrade.

Second, Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith are good tight ends who will be available in free agency.  The Jaguars also have more money under the salary cap than any other team.  Why not use it on a major need?  I also see little reason to suspect that they wouldn't want to come here.  If anything, I think they would like the idea of having Trevor Lawrence being the one throwing balls to them.

Third, there's a lack of options in the draft.  We're not positioned to realistically acquire Kyle Pitts.  The only other tight end that is being consistently mocked in the first two rounds is Pat Freiermuth.  The problem is that he is one guy.  Are we going to make a major reach in the draft just to ensure we get him?  If we wait, what happens if some team ahead of us takes him?  Remember, if teams know we are desperate at tight end, another team that likes Freiermuth might trade to the spot right ahead of us to get him.

Fourth, rookie tight ends often take time to develop.  I really like the idea of signing a free agent tight end in order to give Trevor Lawrence another immediate weapon.

If I had to bet on the Jaguars signing anything in free agency, it would be a tight end.

I typed this before hearing the Meyer comment about needing to change the TE room.

Not being familiar with Meyer or Baalke, I'm not sure how they think...not like I was with TC's personnel moves after years of him being involved with the Jaguars.

Not anything complex.  I agree with everything you said above.  I just don't know how the Jaguars brass thinks right now.

Having heard that, I agree TE will likely be a target in FA, if not also the draft.

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