Jacksonville Jaguars: Minshew still competing, other training camp notes

There’s a reason why the Jacksonville Jaguars signed TE Chris Manhertz.

There are several tight ends the Jaguars could have signed in free agency, including Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry. However, they zeroed in on Chris Manhertz. Despite the fact that the former Carolina Panther has just 12 career receptions, the team’s brass believes he could have a key role in pass protection.

Manhertz also spoke to the media and touched on several topics. Regarding his transition from basketball to football back in 2015, the Canisius product he says he saw an opportunity and seized it.

"It was a hell of an opportunity that was was presented to me and I tried it. I think it’s safe to say it’s one of the best bets I ever made, but it’s been great as a whole."

Earlier this year, Manhertz offered an invitee to attend Tight End University, a clinic Travis Kelce and George Kittle organized earlier this year. He said it was very humbling to be invited and being around a great group of guys, “a lot of guys at the same position just picking each other’s brains and learning from each other”.

Later, Manhertz says he doesn’t think there should be a distinction between pass-blocking or pass-catching tight ends. Rather, he sees himself as a Swiss Army Knife, someone who’s asked to do many things on offense.

"As a tight end, you’re expected to make a play when you know the quarterback throws into you, and you’re also expected to make a play in the run game to clean our run game for the running back so you just have to embrace all of it."

Ben Ellefson is having a terrific training camp and rookie Luke Farrell is making strides but until further notice, Manhertz is the top tight end on the Jaguars’ depth chart.