Jaguars can bolster depth at center with Dylan Parham in 3rd round

As NFL teams do, the Jacksonville Jaguars are hosting prospects as part of the predraft process.  One of the latest to meet with them is Memphis center Dylan Parham who could be a solid acquisition in the third round of this year’s selection meeting.

The Jags hosted Parham Thursday, via The Game Day NFL’s Jordan Schultz. On the same day, they reportedly met with Alabama wide receiver John Metchie III. The Georgia native lined up at multiple spots across the Tigers’ offensive line. Last season, he made 12 starts at right guard but has also played left guard and right tackle. However, his frame and athletic skill set make him a prime candidate to move to center in the pros.

Brandon Thorn of the Bleacher Report scouting department describes Parham as a “smaller guard with muscular, lean build and a strong base“. Thorn believes the former Tiger has the tools to excel against the run and talks about him potentially changing positions.

"Parham’s athletic ability will allow him to pull and work in space effectively while his processing skills lend themselves to a possible move inside at center, where his sawed-off frame may be best utilized long-term."

The Jaguars could use Dylan Parham in the 3rd round of the 2022 draft.

The Jaguars should strongly consider taking Cam Jurgens with their second-round pick, the 33rd overall. But if they want to address another position and take a center they can also do it in the third round, where Parham will probably be available.

Keep in mind that the Jags acquired an extra third-round pick, along with tight end Dan Arnold, in the 2022 draft when they traded cornerback C.J. Henderson to the Carolina Panthers, so they will have plenty of flexibility.

Tyler Shatley is set to start at center after Brandon Linder retired. Shatley has made 18 starts (center, guard) over the last two seasons and while he’s far from an elite player, he should hold his own. Having said that, he isn’t the long-term answer at the position and the Jags need to add a center that can either compete with him for the starting job or sit behind him to develop.

The Jaguars will be able to take several paths in the draft and a few of them could include Parham. Meeting with him should help them decide whether they should use a draft pick on him.