Jaguars replenish TE room in TDN’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft

Tight end Evan Engram has become an important part of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense this season but there’s a chance he won’t be back in 2023. If the leaves, the Jags could look for his potential replacement in the NFL Draft, which is precisely what Jaime Eisner of The Draft Network believes they’ll do.

Eisner recently did a mock draft and had Jacksonville taking Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer with the 20th overall pick. Eisner projets Engram will sign somewhere else next offseason but believes Mayer can be “an exciting new chess piece” on the Jags’ offense.

"You’re reading this in the midst of Evan Engram’s breakout run for the Jaguars. I bet he prices himself out of Jacksonville this offseason and Doug Pederson can get an exciting new chess piece at the position in 2023’s unanimous TE1, Michael Mayer."

Eisner goes on to say that the Jaguars’ brass must keep giving Trevor Lawrence weapons and adds that Mayer could become a Pro Bowler under head coach Doug Pederson.

Mayer has been arguably the best tight end in college football this season, hauling in 67 receptions for 809 yards with nine touchdowns. There’s a legitimate chance he will be available when the Jags are on the clock, which will tentatively be the 20th overall pick.

Re-signing Evan Engram will have an impact on the Jaguars’ draft plans

Evan Engram has told Michael DiRocco of ESPN he’s open to re-signing with the Jags. If he stays, tight end won’t be at the top of their roster needs. On the other hand, Mayer would be a realistic replacement if he joins another club.

If Engram stays in Jacksonville, the front office could then target a cornerback or an edge rusher in the draft. Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports has the Jags choosing Alabama cornerback Brian Branch in his latest mock. Similarly, Josh Edwards had them picking Clemson defensive lineman Bryan Bresee.

But even if the Jaguars re-sign Engram, they might still draft a tight end with a mid or late-round pick. After all, Chris Manhertz and Dan Arnold are also slated to become free agents and it’s unlikely that the front office will bring all of them back.

For the first time since 2018, the Jaguars are poised to pick outside the top 10. They have to revamp several position groups next offseason. Tight end will become a need if they don’t re-sign Engram and Mayer would be an enticing choice to fill the void.