Jacksonville Jaguars: 3 underrated moves in 2021 offseason

3. Luke Farrell could become a solid starter for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

You have probably heard several times that the Jaguars need to sign a tight end. After moving on from Tyler Eifert earlier this year, the team’s brass didn’t adequately address the position. They brought back veteran James O’Shaughnessy, who didn’t score a single touchdown last season and is better suited for a backup role.

The Jags’ biggest free-agent addition was Chris Manhertz. The former Carolina Panther will play a key role in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Nevertheless, he doesn’t add much to the passing game, as he’s hauled in just 12 receptions over his six-year NFL career. After the draft, Jacksonville signed Tim Tebow, who is currently listed as a tight end on the depth chart but might see the field mainly in the red zone.

The lack of a true number-one tight end on the Jaguars roster could open the door for 2021 fifth-round pick Luke Farrell. The former Buckeye doesn’t have elite athleticism and caught just 34 passes in college. However, general manager Trent Baalke believes he was underutilized at Ohio State and could become an NFL starter down the road.

If Farrell shows he can be a functional receiver in training camp, he might not have trouble moving up the depth chart and could even start a few games this upcoming season. The rookie tight end doesn’t have to be great, just better than his fellow tight ends, which may not be a difficult task.