Jacksonville Jaguars: 5 Takeaways from 2021 NFL Draft

2) The Jacksonville Jaguars still need to upgrade their tight end unit.

The Jaguars didn’t get much production from their tight end room last year. The group had a combined 68 catches for 677 yards and two touchdowns and Tyler Eifert, who is no longer with the team, was responsible for 36 of those receptions, 349 yards, and the two trips to the end zone, so the team needed to make up for his departure and bolster the unit this offseason.

Nevertheless, the Jags pass up the chance to draft Pat Freiermuth, the second-best tight end prospect in the draft, and Miami’s Brevin Jordan, arguably the third best, and took Luke Farrell 145th overall. Farrell wasn’t a deep threat back at Ohio State could be an inline blocker but Chris Manhertz, whom the team signed in free agency, will most like fill that role.

In the end, Jacksonville may not heavily use their tight ends in the passing game this upcoming season but they should’ve still made a few upgrades in the offseason.

3) The Jacksonville Jaguars plan to get their running backs involved.

You could argue about the merits of drafting a running back in the first round but the Jaguars took Travis Etienne with the 25th overall pick and he will be heavily involved in the team’s offense in 2021. While the Clemson standout will take some snaps away from rookie sensation James Robinson, the running game should be more effective, as the sophomore won’t have to carry the load by himself.

Moreover, Jacksonville signed Carlos Hyde, who joined the team this offseason, could spell either Etienne or Robinson and the running game wouldn’t suffer a drop in production. Last year, the Jags didn’t have anyone to replace Robinson when he went down with an ankle injury late in the season. They now have a vested veteran and a rookie to take his place if needed.