Jacksonville Jaguars: 5 biggest training-camp wild cards

Could tight end Luke Farrell start for the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1?

The Jaguars are loaded at several positions but tight end isn’t one of them. After opting not to bring back Tyler Eifert, the organization failed to adequately address the position. They inked Chris Manhertz and re-signed veteran James O’Shaughnessy earlier this year. They are also giving Tim Tebow the opportunity to make the transition from quarterback to tight end but the truth is that none of these players is a tight end in the mold of Rob Gronkowski or Travis Kelce. That’s why rookie Luke Ferrell will have a legitimate shot to earn the starting job in training camp.

Although the Ohio State product lacks elite explosion, he has nice hands and could develop into a reliable target on the Jaguars’ offense. Back at Ohio State, he hauled in 34 receptions for 380 yards and four touchdowns. Keep in mind that the Buckeyes don’t use their tight ends in their passing game much, so general manager Trent Baalke isn’t lying when he says he was underutilized in college.

Manhertz and O’Shaughnessy currently have the edge. They are the most experienced tight ends on the Jaguars’ roster and both are likely candidates to start in Week 1. Manhertz may be the best blocker of the two, but has only caught 12 passes in over his six-year career in the NFL. If Farrell can show in training camp that he’s a better receiving option, he should have no trouble moving up the depth chart. Even though it’s a tall order for the 2021 fifth-round pick, the dearth of talent at tight end could help him join the staring lineup.