Top 5 players the Jacksonville Jaguars must target on Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft

Prospect 1 the Jaguars must target in Round 2 of the draft: Sam LaPorta

This is a tough choice because there isn't just one player but rather a group (pride?) of tight ends still available on Day 2 of the draf. The Buffalo Bills took Dalton Kincaid with the pick they got from the Jags but he was the only tight end prospect to hear his name called in the first round.

You will hear that the Jaguars should trade up to take Michael Mayer and rightfully so. The former Notre Dame Irish has the skill set to become a dynamic difference-maker in the NFL. Similarly, Darnell Washington is outstanding blocker with massive upside as a pass-catcher and a movable chess piece. Either one could be the heir apparent to Evan Engram, who got the franchise tag and could leave next offseason.

Mayer or Washington could give the Jaguars' a 1-2 punch a tight end alongside Engram in 2023. However, the Jaguars should think about prioritize other positions early in the second round and then take a tight end. The issue with that strategy is that Mayer, Washington and even Luke Musgrave could all be taken early. On the other hand, Iowa's Sam LaPorta could still be available later in Round 2 or even in the third round.

LaPorta's gained plenty of steam in recent weeks. He's not nearly as accomplished as Meyer nor has the immense size of Washington but he routinely made plays for the Hawkeyes. In spite of Iowa's less-than-stellar quarterback situation, LaPorta managed to haul in a combined 111 receptions for 1,327 yards with four touchdowns over the last two years.

Engram will be the No. 1 tight end on the Jaguars' depth chart, which would allow LaPorta to find his footing in his rookie season and step into a bigger role next year. All things considered, he would be an intriguing pickup late in the second round or early in the third and if the Jaguars can address other needs in Round 2 and still land LaPorta, they will have come out with a great haul.