Can Jaguars rookie Ryan Otten add to the tight end group?

By Alfie Crow@AlfieBCC Jul 6, 2013, 2:15pm EDT

The Jacksonville Jaguars didn't do a whole lot to improve the tight end position for the 2013 season, but one of the players they added might be able to step in right away and be a contributor to the offense. The Jaguars added two undrafted free agents to the tight end position in Kyler Reed and Ryan Otten, the latter of which could be the opening day No. 2 tight end.

More: Camp Preview: Tight Ends Did the Jaguars improve at TE?

Otten was one of the primary undrafted free agents the Jaguars were after at the conclusion of the 2013 NFL Draft, and snapped him up quickly. The Jaguars were a great team for Otten to sign with, as far as making a final roster, because outside of Marcedes Lewis no one at the position is guaranteed a roster position.

Otten is a tall and long pass catching tight end, standing at 6-5 and coming in just over 230 pounds (I expect him to be heavier once camp starts) he has the ability to pick up some yards after the catch despite not being the fastest tight end. Otten's best assets are his body control in the air and ability to adjust to the football, making him a great target over the middle and in the redzone, which is likely where he'll make his bones early on.

He's a willing blocker who, while not the best on the line, has no problems getting his uniform dirty in the running game and picking off defensive backs down the field.

While Otten will likely operate as a "move-tight end" or "joker", he's not very sudden or quick, but still possess the ability to threaten down the seam. The majority of his yards after catch are from breaking tackles of defensive backs rather than making people miss.

Otten should be able to get playing time early in the Jaguars offense, which is starved for a receiving threat outside of Marcedes Lewis. Otten should be a shoe-in for the final roster and an active player on game day come the start of the season.