After making several additions in free agency, the Jacksonville Jaguars don't have nearly as many glaring holes as they had after the 2024 season. Heck, they could take many paths in the NFL Draft, and most of them would take care of a need. But does this mean the Jags should address a position that may not currently require upgrades at No. 5? Rob Rang of Fox Sports thinks they should.
Rang did a post-free agency mock draft and had Jacksonville taking Tyler Warren with the fifth overall pick, pointing out that tight ends don't have a great track record in the top 10 but the former Penn State Nittany Lion would round out Trevor Lawrence's arsenal of weapons.
"The track record for tight ends selected in the top 10 is not pretty, but Warren is among the few elite talents of this class. Innovative offensive mind Liam Coen will be looking for any and every way to unlock Trevor Lawrence's potential. Pairing Warren with last year's first-round star Brian Thomas Jr. could do precisely that. "
All things considered, the first two picks in Rang's mock make sense. The Tennessee Titans draft Cam Ward first overall while edge rusher Abdul Carter goes to the Cleveland Browns at No. 2. It isn't until the New York Giants take Travis Hunter with the third overall pick that things take a turn. But then, the New England Patriots make the safe pick with offensive tackle Will Campbell at No. 4.
Warren at No. 5 would be odd. Leaving aside that tight ends don't go often in the top 5, the Jaguars don't have a need at the position even after releasing Evan Engram due to the presence of Brenton Strange.
A second-round pick in 2023, Strange was a non-factor as a rookie but stepped up when he filled in for Engram. After a promising sophomore campaign, he's now ready for a bigger role. The fact that the team's brass locked up Hunter Long and Johnny Mundt — a pair of depth signings — in free agency shows that they believe Strange is ready for a bigger role.
Going back to Warren, he's arguably the best tight-end prospect in this year's draft and will most likely go in the first round. Although he needs to get stronger and work in his route running, he's got the athleticism, size, and versatility to thrive in the NFL.
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Why the Jaguars should pass on Tyler Warren
Tyler Warren will most likely turn out to be a fine player in the NFL, but there are other teams who could need him more than the Jacksonville Jaguars. In fact, the consensus thinks he'll go to the Indianapolis Colts at No. 5. And with Strange in the fold, the Jags are better off addressing another position with the fifth overall selection.
As talented as Warren may be, Mason Graham, Travis Hunter, or even Armand Membou would have a bigger impact in Jacksonville. The Jaguars already have a starting defensive tackle duo in Maason Graham and Arik Armstead, but the latter isn't getting young, and Graham would round out their rotation on the inside.
Hunter could line up at either cornerback or wide receiver while Membou could compete for a starting job on the edge or move to guard. This is a long-winded way to say that there are better options than Warren at No. 5.
Now, there's always a chance the Jacksonville Jaguars shock everyone by drafting Tyler Warren, but the odds of that happening are relatively low.