SHOULD THE JAGUARS CONSIDER A TIGHT END IN ROUND 1?

Keith Gilbert/Icon Sportswire

A tight end in round one? If the Jaguars miss out on their QB of the future it could be the most prudent option. 

---

The obvious answer to the question "Should the Jaguars consider a tight end in round one?" is no. QB should be the primary concern for Tom Coughlin and company. Landing Dwayne Haskins or Kyler Murray is the single most important thing the Jaguars can do in the 2019 NFL Draft.

But what happens if the Jaguars don't trade up to get their QB of the future and neither Murray or Haskins is available when the seventh pick rolls around? The Jaguars should not consider Daniel Jones or Drew Lock, even with scouts and coaches proclaiming them first round picks. Both players have far too many flaws. 

Then, the Jaguars would need to set their sights on landing a player at a different position that will help them in the short term and long term. Perhaps they could trade down a few spots in order to acquire more draft capital. If they were to go this route, there would be a number of quality players on the board at a myriad of different positions.

With right guard AJ Cann on the way out the Jags could consider a guard or tackle to sure up the right side of their offensive line. 

The Jaguars need as many playmakers as they can get. Maybe a stud wide receiver would be the way to go.

If the Jaguars want to refortify their defense with more young talent their will be a bevy of options in a draft class that is loaded with top end defensive talent. 

But instead I believe tight end, yes tight end, might be the best option.

Long Sleeve Jax Pocket Tee

$28.00 - $30.00

Shop

There are two underclassman tight ends from Iowa that have the potential to dramatically change the fortunes of whichever NFL offense they end up with. Redshirt sophomore TJ Hockenson and junior Noah Fant are both deserving of first round picks. They're far from the same player in terms of skill sets, but both will be major receiving threats at the next level and both will be able to run block in the NFL. 

TJ Hockenson, a relative newcomer in terms of 2019 NFL Draft talk, may have the best skill set for a tight end that we've seen in recent years. He's an effortless route runner, a consistently physical blocker, and has some of the softest hands I've seen. At six-foot-five and 250 pounds, Hockenson has elite athleticism. He can do everything you want from a tight end in the modern NFL. Did I mention he's a load to bring down after the catch? And his jump ball ability should have Jaguars' offensive coordinator John DeFilippo salivating. 

His counterpart, Noah Fant, is just as intriguing. Fant is an even better athlete than Hockenson. He'll likely run a sub 4.5 40 yard dash at the NFL combine. He's got great hands and will separate down the seem at the next level with ease. And despite the false narrative that Fant is strictly a receiving tight end, he'll surprise some people with his ability to contribute as a blocker in the NFL. 

Both of these prospects are can't miss. They might be the two most talented offensive weapons in the entire draft. In the NFL it's all about acquiring talent. Tight end is a need for the Jaguars and nabbing an elite talent at a position of need would be a major win. If the Jaguars are unable to land their QB, they should strongly consider one of these two tight ends in the first round. While the tight end position isn't as sexy as wide receiver, these two players are far and away more talented than any of the receivers that will be available when the Jaguars make their pick, whether that's at seven or in the teens after a trade back. ​