Jaguars roster: Is tight end Luke Farrell a hidden gem?

There’s plenty to like about the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2021 draft class. They used the first overall pick on franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence. They also took a few prospects that have the potential to turn into foundational players such as running back Travis Etienne and cornerback Tyson Campbell. There’s another player that isn’t creating as much hype but could end up playing an important role in 2021 and that is tight end Luke Farrell, the 45th overall pick in this year’s selection meeting.

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report believes Farrell is a hidden gem and says that the Ohio State product could become a key contributor on the Jaguars’ offense this offseason. Knox points out that Jacksonville needs a complete tight end, not just someone that can block and thinks that Farrell could be that player.

Knox acknowledges that Farrell was hardly used as a receiver at Ohio State, hauling in a measly 34 receptions for 380 yards over his four-year collegiate career. Nevertheless, his familiarity with head coach Urban Meyer and the Jaguars’ need at tight end could help him earn a significant role on the offense.

Luke Farrell could start by default for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Head coach Urban Meyer has previously praised every tight end on the Jaguars’ roster. The team’s brass saw Chris Manhertz as one of the top blockers in free agency and believes he can be a functional receiver. The former Florida head coach also said that James O’Shaughnessy and sophomore Ben Ellefson have improved a lot. Then, there’s Tim Tebow, all his teammates are impressed, and currently looks like a good bet to make the roster despite the fact he’s currently making the transition from quarterback.

All the tight ends on Jacksonville’s roster are solid pieces but the organization needs someone to separate himself from the bunch. The previous coaching staff also praised Ellefson, who was an undrafted rookie last year. Manhertz could indeed become a reliable target in the passing game as Meyer suggests and even Tim Tebow could carve a niche.

On the other hand, Ferrell will have a legitimate chance to become the Jags’ top tight end. The team’s brass said that he was underutilized at Ohio State. There’s no doubt the former Buckeye can block, he now needs to show he can also catch the ball on a consistent basis.

Then again, the path to the starting lineup may not be as difficult as it seems for Farrell. At this point of his career, he’s younger and more polished than Tebow. Manhertz and O’Shaughnessy are probably better blockers and more experienced. However, if the Ohio native can show his worth as an option in the Jaguars’ passing game, he will have no trouble moving up the depth chart.

Barring a trade for an established player or signing a free agent off the street, the Jaguars’ tight end situation in 2021 won’t be optimal. They need one of their young players or their veterans to step up this offseason and at this moment, it looks like all of them have a legitimate chance to become their top tight end, including Ferrell.