2013 Jacksonville Jaguars training camp preview: Tight Ends

The Jacksonville Jaguars should have at least their starting tight end settled heading into training camp, but after Marcedes Lewis it could be an entirely new looking group as the other players from previous seasons have all moved on. The Jaguars will also be operating a new offensive system under offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch and with the addition of a new right tackle in Luke Joeckel, the role of the tight end for the Jaguars is very likely to be different than it has been in year's past.

As mentioned, the new faces at the position for the Jaguars are a different style than in the past, as they're more pass catching oriented and split-wide "joker" type tight ends as opposed to the in-line blocking types. Lewis has the possibility to be best of both worlds going forward, especially if Joeckel is as good as advertised.

The Players:

Marcedes Lewis
Ht 6-6 Wt: 272
Age: 28 Exp: 7
Start of Camp Status: Starter, No. 1 tight end

Marcedes Lewis enters his eighth season in the NFL after being drafted in the first-round of the 2006 NFL Draft and his second season following a new massive contract extension. Lewis had what most would consider a disappointing season in 2012, at least yardage and touchdown-wise, but a lot of that had to do with deficiencies at the quarterback position an on the offensive line.

Camp Outlook: Lewis is a lock to make the Jaguars final 53-man roster and shouldn't have any trouble once again being the team's top tight end. His versatility blocking and catching the football allow the Jaguars to run multiple formations that are run or pass without tipping their intent to the defense, because Lewis can effectively line up in-line or split wide.

Ryan Otten
Ht 6-5 Wt: 241
Age: 23 Exp: R
Start of Camp Status: Backup, No. 2 tight end

Ryan Otten was one of the first players the Jaguars made a priority to sign in undrafted free agency in 2013 and to the surprise of many wasn't drafted. Otten is more of a pass catching tight end who will be used in a "joker" type role, lining up split out in the slot and in motion, but he should challenge for playing time early in the season if he shows what he was able to do in college at San Jose State.

Camp Outlook: Otten should challenge for the No. 2 tight end spot on the Jaguars opening day roster and shouldn't have much trouble making the final 53-man roster. He has reliable hands and can pick up yards after the catch, so he should be able to be a nice outlet for the Jaguars quarterbacks.

Allen Reisner
Ht 6-3 Wt: 225
Age: 24 Exp: 2
Start of Camp Status: Backup, special teams

The Jaguars added Allen Reisner late in the 2012 season when he was claimed off waivers when the Vikings released him. He went undrafted in 2011 and signed with the Vikings, making just a handful of appearances. It's unlikely Reisner will crack the rotation on game day, as he's a receiving tight end only and struggles blocking on the line of scrimmage.

Camp Outlook: Reisner will have to battle to make the final 53-man roster for the Jaguars, likely make his presence felt on special teams.

Isaiah Stanback
Ht 6-2 Wt: 228
Age: 28 Exp: 2
Start of Camp Status: Backup, special teams

Originally a fourth-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2007 NFL Draft, Stanback tried to make the position switch from college quarterback to wide receiver/kick return and had an up and down beginning, eventually sticking as a special teams player. He was added to the Jaguars practice squad in December of 2012 and later promoted to the active roster, playing two games.

Camp Outlook: Stanback is another player in the group of tight ends who's likely going to make the roster on special teams before anything else.

Brett Brackett
Ht 6-5 Wt: 246
Age: 25 Exp: --
Start of Camp Status: Backup, special teams

Brackett originally entered the NFL as a member of the Miami Dolphins, signing in undrafted free agency, but didn't last his rookie season on the roster eventually signing with the Jaguars practice squad only to be released three days later in 2011. Brackett then had a stint with the Philadelphia Eagles, expected to challenge for a backup role, but was released in final cuts and picked up again by the Jaguars in 2012 and was placed on injured reserve after he hurt his knee in his first practice.

Camp Outlook: Brackett is a longshot to make the Jaguars final 53-man roster and if he does it will have to be on special teams.

Kyler Reed
Ht 6-3 Wt: 225
Age: 23 Exp: R
Start of Camp Status: Backup, special teams

Kyler Reed is a bit of a hybrid-position tight end who could wind up playing some H-back for the Jaguars, as he played some fullback in college at Nebraska. He's smallish for a tight end, but he's an athlete who can run (4.43 at his Pro Day). It's possible Reed is seen more as a practice squad guy down the line, but the depth at tight end is up in the air.

Camp Outlook: If Reed has a good showing, including showing some versatility and makes plays on special teams, he could sneak his way onto the Jaguars final 53-man roster. It's clear the Jaguars appear to be looking more at pass catchers than offensive line extension tight ends under the new regime.

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