2019 NFL Draft: Jacksonville Jaguars 7-round mock
By Joe Romano
Round 2 – Pick 38
Irv Smith Jr, TE, Alabama
An area of the field that the Jaguars struggled consistently was the middle. They had little weapons who could threaten the middle and deep seam. It cost their offense in a big way and let teams play tight outside coverage and not fear anything stretching them horizontally. Free agent signing Austin Seferian-Jenkins did not pan out. In fact, the team declined his option and he will once again be a free agent. There is a big need in Jacksonville for a talented tight end.
Irv Smith of Alabama is the perfect fit for the Jaguars atop round two. Smith might rank as the third tight end, behind the two Iowa studs, but he is no slouch. He’s an elite athlete with sure hands who excelled as Alabama opened their offense up this year. His best trait may be blocking, which fits right in line with what Jacksonville would like to do. Smith is an old school tight end in a new school body. He’s not afraid to play in line and win from there but also has the skills and athleticism to be split out wide.
One way to help a young quarterback is to find him a safety blanket. Smith is that type of tight end. Even if the Jaguars elect to go with a veteran, having a tight end that can stretch the seam and threaten the middle third of the field will go a long way for this offense. Smith would give them a legit weapon in the passing game and help their rushing attack as well.
Another option here would be to grab a wide receiver. The depth of the receiver class, and value of Smith were just too good to pass up.