Tight end Tim Tebow may just be the most popular name on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ roster, but there are many who aren’t high on his chances to remain on the team past training camp.
CBS Sports’ Patrik Walker is among the many analysts who believe Tebow’s attempt to be a tight end will fall short, listing the former quarterback on his list of players who could be on the “chopping block” for the Jags when looking at all 32 teams.
Tebow had to know this was a long shot when he signed on, and his only saving grace might be his relationship with Urban Meyer — the reason he’s getting this shot in the first place. That said, even Meyer is claiming Tebow will be evaluated like others on the roster with no special considerations. Time will tell if that’s true, but if it is, Tebow’s experiment at tight end could end soon. The Jaguars have several tight ends already on the roster who have a ton of experience at the position, headlined by Chris Manhertz, who was also invited to the famed “Tight End University” instead of Tebow. Headlines aside, this is the most sensical cut to be made by the Jaguars, unless they want to sacrifice a seat on their 53-man roster for a 33-year-old who’s never played tight end before and came out of retirement to try.
This was probably one of the easiest picks in the league for Walker to make for the reasons mentioned above.
When it comes to tight ends, coach Urban Meyer has elected to single out players like James O’Shaughnessy and Ben Ellefson, both of whom he believes have made strides. Chris Manhertz is a player who Meyer has also considered a surprise in terms of his potential as a receiver. When looking at those three players alone and how much more they are established than Tebow, it’s hard to see the Jags naming the former Gator to the tight end depth chart over them as it would cause players to question Meyer.
A better place for Tebow may be on the practice squad. A few reporters have said he doesn’t exactly look bad at the position, but more so unpolished. That sounds like a practice squad player if the Jags could get past the fact that he’s 33. Then again, the great thing about the preseason is that stars can emerge, and though it’s unlikely for Tebow, he at least has a chance to make his case come training camp and in mid-August to the late part of the month.