Jaguars trading up for TE prospect would be a subpar choice in 2024 NFL Draft

There's a lot of misdirection and rumors floating around hours before the 2024 NFL Draft. Plenty of this info turns out to be false, but it was still puzzling to hear that the Jacksonville Jaguars are interested in trading up to address a position that isn't a need.

Todd McShay of ESPN says that he's hearing through the grapevine that the Jags want to trade up for tight end Brock Bowers. This wouldn't be odd if it weren't for the fact that they're stacked at the position. Evan Engram is firmly entrenched at the top of the depth chart. Behind him are sophomore Brenton Strange, Luke Farrell, and Josiah Deguara.

Make no mistake, Bowers is a great prospect. He could help teams in need of a receiving threat in the middle of the field who can also block. However, Jacksonville has no use for him. They just gave Engram a contract extension last year and Strange is expected to have a bigger role on offense after an underwhelming rookie campaign.

Farrell, their No. 3 tight end, is also a dependable blocker who's delivered when called upon. Last but not least is Deguara, who should earn a role as a blocking specialist after signing as a free agent in March. However you look at it, there's no room for Bowers in Jacksonville.

On top of that, the Jaguars have bigger needs. Even if they wanted Bowers, they need to bolster their cornerback and look for help at wide receiver. If that wasn't enough, Jacksonville would need to move into the top 10 to acquire the former Georgia Bulldog. However you look at it, that's not feasible. Here are the rest of the tidbits McShay shared at the dawn of Draft Day.

The Jaguars should trade up only for Malik Nabers

The Jacksonville Jaguars could easily stay put at No. 17 and take the best player available. At that point of Day 1, they'll still have multiple enticing options. There may be a run for quarterbacks in the top 10 and clubs could also be looking for an offensive tackle throughout the first round. That would allow the Jaguars to select one of the top cornerbacks or pass rushers of the class.

If the Jags do want to trade up, it should only be for either Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze, two of the best receivers in the class. It was previously reported that they've shown interest in both of them and they're extremely high on Nabers. but if they want to nab either one, they'll need to move into the top 10. Now, that's a trade worth making.

The Chicago Bears, who hold the No. 9 pick, have been seen as a potential trade-up, partner, and it looks like they've been telling clubs that they're open for business if the price is right. The Atlanta Falcons, at No. 8, may also be entertaining offers. But if the Jaguars give them a call, it has to be with the intention to acquire either Nabers or Odunze.

All things considered, it looks like this Brock Bowers rumor is just smoke and mirrors. Maybe the Jags threw it into the wind to conceal their real intention. If that's the case, that's fine but if they legitimately want to trade up for him, fans aren't going to be pleased.

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