If the Jaguars are looking to upgrade their tight end position, this offseason will offer plenty of legitimate options.
This year's Super Bowl proved that having a playmaking weapon at tight end is paramount in the NFL. Rob Gronkowski and Zach Ertz were the top targets in the red zone and across the middle for the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles, respectively.
As the Jaguars look to enhance their offense, the tight end position - on the surface - appears to be a major need.
Veteran Marcedes Lewis was fantastic as a blocker and red zone target this past season. However, his ability to consistently make plays in the open field has dropped off over the years. The Jaguars may be wise to invest in a dynamic pass-catching tight end this offseason, despite failing miserably with that approach in 2015 with Julius Thomas.
Seattle's Jimmy Graham and Cincinnati's Tyler Eifert headline an impressive tight end free agency class that also features up-and-comers like Trey Burton (Eagles), Austin Seferian-Jenkins (Jets) and Luke Willson (Seahawks). The bunch also includes dependable veterans like Ed Dickson (Panthers), Derek Carrier (Rams) and Richard Rodgers (Packers).
Even if the Jaguars fail to spend heavily on the tight end position in free agency, they could still come away with a talented player in the draft. Big-play threats like Oklahoma's Mark Andrews, South Carolina's Hayden Hurst and South Dakota State's Dallas Goedert could make a difference for Nathaniel Hackett's offense.
Quarterback Blake Bortles or his successor will need a safety net in the passing game this season. In order for the offense to become more dynamic, the tight end position needs to be a threat in the passing game.
The Jaguars will be prime position to add a dynamic tight end. The front office just needs to determine which route is most feasible for their overall roster-building plans this offseason.
Follow Mike Kaye on Twitter: @Mike_E_Kaye.