(05-02-2021, 10:36 AM)jaglou53 Wrote:

(05-02-2021, 09:25 AM)TheO-LineMatters Wrote: Farrell was a wasted pick. We already signed one of the better blocking TE's in the NFL when we signed Manhertz. We needed a pass catching TE. I live in Ohio and just like I've seen every pass ever thrown by Justin Fields at Ohio State, I've also seen every play Farrell has ever made for the Buckeyes. They were few and far between. He's just a blocker. He's slow, lumbering, doesn't get any separation and has so-so hands. I just don't understand this pick at all. It's almost like it was getting to the end of the draft and Meyer realized he had not drafted a TE, so he just picked a guy he knew. 

A lot of people on the board desperately wanted a pass catching TE, but if you look at the careers of both Meyer and Lawrence, neither utilized the position that much. I think the same will happen in this new offense. I think the emphasis will be on the receivers and RB's catching the ball. In fact, I can see the Jaguars ending the season towards the bottom of the league when it comes to using their TE's as receivers. That's not necessarily a bad thing. It's just how some offenses are designed. My only issue was why did we waste a draft pick on this guy when he is basically the exact same player Manhertz is?

I don't believe this pick was a waste. Fifth round picks are rarely every-down players. There are certainly exceptions such as Telvin Smith, however at this point of the draft you look for guys who can contribute in some way to the team. Farrell is reportedly a very good special-teams player in addition to a superior run-blocking tight end. He will see a lot of action on 3rd and short in double tight-end sets as well as special teams. 

This was a very weak tight end class after Pitts and Freirmuth. I wanted Freirmuth more than anyone, but once he was gone the options at getting a very good all-around tight end were limited. I know Meyer hasn't used tight-ends as receivers much or did Clemson with Lawrence, but I'd be shocked if they don't sign a receiving tight end prior to the start of the season. Hurst is the best option for this and I expect Meyer/Baalke to go after him.