Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence’s early progress and other takeaways

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ tight end room is still a work in progress.

You probably know this by heart but the Jaguars’ tight end unit could use a boost. Head coach Urban Meyer mentioned that veteran James O’Shaughnessy and sophomore Ben Ellefson have improved.  On the other hand, he said that the room isn’t where they need to be at that but they’re getting closer.

The Jaguars’ current tight end group includes Chris Manhertz, O’Shaughnessy, Tim Tebow, Ben Ellefson, Luke Farrell, and Tyler Davis. The team’s brass signed Manhertz in free agency because of his pass-blocking prowess but he won’t contribute much as a receiver as he has only hauled in 12 receptions over his six-year career. O’Shaughnessy is a reliable backup but nothing more and Davis, a 2020 sixth-round pick, didn’t have a single reception in his rookie campaign.

Ellefson or Farrell could eventually separate themselves from the rest of the group but neither of them will suddenly turn into an All-Pro. Then, there’s Tim Tebow, who is still making the transition from quarterback to tight end. While his odds of making the roster are favorable, it’s hard to see the 2010 first-round pick getting more than ten snaps per game in 2021.

The coaching staff can’t fully assess their players right now since there’s no contact in minicamp, so they will have to wait until training camp to fully evaluate the tight end room. There’s a chance that someone steps up and seizes the starting job. If not, the Jags will need to consider bringing in outside help. Tyler Eifert is still available in the free-agent market, so a reunion should not be ruled out. Also, this Jacksonville team could trade for Hayden Hurst or Zach Ertz but they can’t go into the season without a clearcut number-one tight end.