Wide receiver has been a popular pick for the Jacksonville Jaguars in mock drafts, but the looming addition of Calvin Ridley to the offense may have pushed the position down the list of offseason priorities.
In the latest mock from Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar, the Jaguars still aim to add a target for Trevor Lawrence, but it’s one with a little extra size.
With the team now slated to pick 11th overall following a Week 12 win over the Baltimore Ravens, the Jaguars are projected to take the top tight end of the draft class, Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer.
The Jaguars currently have a trio of tight ends — Evan Engram, Dan Arnold, and Chris Manhertz — all set to become free agents in the offseason. Luke Farrell, a 2021 fifth-round pick with 82 career receiving yards, is the only Jaguars tight end under contract for the 2023 season.
Regardless if the team brings one of the its impending free agents back, tight end is a position that could use a long-term upgrade and Mayer represents that possibility.
Mayer passed Tyler Eifert this season to become Notre Dame’s all-time receptions leader at tight end. With 67 receptions, 809 yards, and nine touchdowns this season, Mayer has already earned First-Team All-American honors from PFF. Mayer appears to be the clear-cut top player at his position in the 2023 NFL Draft, as Georgia’s Brock Bowers isn’t yet eligible.