5 Jacksonville Jaguars intriguing targets at No. 24 in the 2023 NFL Draft

No. 3 draft target for the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 24 - Michael Mayer

At first sight, it doesn't look like tight end is a need for the Jaguars after applying the franchise tag on Evan Engram, which will keep him around for at least one more year. But a closer look reveals the front office must restock the position, with Chris Manhertz joining the Denver Broncos and Dan Arnold leaving in free agency.

The only other tight end currently under contract on the Jags' roster besides Engram is 2021 fifth-round pick Luke Farrell, who is nothing more than a reserve player at this point of his career. Arnold saw a decrease in snaps last year so it's hard to see him returning. Thus, general manager Trent Baalke will need to find his and Manhertz's replacements in the draft.

Working in Baalke's favor is that this is one of the deepest tight-end classes in recent years, so the Jags could wait until the second or third round to address the position. But if they opt to give it a try in the first round, they should then go after Michael Mayer, who should be available at No. 24.

Mayer's 180 receptions over the last three years are tied for the third-most in Notre Dame history and his 67 receptions in 2022 are the most by a tight end in team history. Leaving his production for the Fighting Irish aside, the northern Kentucky native can be a factor as a pass catcher but is also a solid in-line blocker, which should help him stay on the field regardless of the formation.

Derrik Klassen of the Bleacher Report scouting department sees blocking as Mayer's "only minor pain point", noting that he "doesn't move people the way his frame suggests". Nevertheless, Klassen thinks Mayer has the potential to become a top-echelon tight end.

While the Jags have more pressing needs, taking Mayer could help them prepare in case Engram leaves in 2023. And all things considered, there aren't many better ways to use a first-round selection.