Jaguars take another tight end in Dane Brugler's latest mock draft
The Jacksonville Jaguars could get even scarier if this mock draft becomes a reality.
Even after using the franchise tag on Evan Engram, expect the Jacksonville Jaguars to look for another tight end this very offseason. Maybe even in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft where there could be some solid options.
The Jaguars are going to face a tough decision when they're on the clock next April. Should they add to Trevor Lawrence's supporting cast? Or should they address a defense that clearly needs help on every level?
After all, it'll likely depend on who's the best player available. And some would argue that Dane Brugler, The Athletic's lead Draft analyst, found the Jaguars a steal in his latest mock draft.
In it, he picked rising tight end Darnell Washington, who had a fantastic performance at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Here's Brugler's breakdown of the Jaguars' pick:
“At 264 pounds with 34.5-inch arms and 11-inch hands, Washington takes pride in being a sixth offensive lineman as a blocker. His 40-yard dash (4.64) and short shuttle (4.08) also confirmed his freaky athleticism at that size. Despite slapping the franchise tag on Evan Engram, the Jaguars will be in the tight end market this offseason.”
Washington ranked second among this year's tight ends in Next Gen Stats' Athleticism score and fourth in production score. The 6-foot-7 tight end out of Georgia certainly has the upside many teams target in the first round.
What makes him really unique is his blocking skills, which have some projecting him as an offensive lineman.
"Washington could become a dominant run blocker with better technique, which makes me wonder if a team might give him a look at offensive tackle at some point in his career," writes Draft analyst Lance Zierlein of NFL.com.
In a sled drill at the Combine, Washington pushed the sled five yards downfield with ease and looked as if he could've kept going for another 10. In contrast, Michael Mayer (Notre Dame) and Will Mallory (Miami) seemed to struggle to push it 2-4 yards deep.
Trevor Lawrence and Doug Pederson would be two happy men if they're able to get Washington in Jacksonville. They already have Engram but adding Washington to the mix would give them another way to hurt defenses.
The Jaguars HC knows how to get a tight end involved in his offense which would make the team an ideal landing spot for the rising prospect.
