The Jacksonville Jaguars certainly grabbed headlines when the talk about Tim Tebow trying out for the team emerged a few weeks ago.
Though he has not played tight end since high school, the 33-year-old Tebow, who was intent on being a quarterback, is back in the NFL signed by the Jaguars yesterday as a tight end.
We have signed TE Tim Tebow. pic.twitter.com/xAsfcZP1sG
— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) May 20, 2021
It is interesting to talk about Tebow being back in Florida, reuniting with his former Florida coach Urban Meyer, and his potential playmaking partnership with the 2021 first pick in the draft, quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
However, it is really not a big deal when it comes to on-the-field play.
Here’s why.
Tebow Joins a Crowded Tight End Room
Prior to signing Tebow, the Jaguars had five tight ends on the roster.
They are rookie Luke Farrell from Ohio State (who played under Meyer at OSU), James O’Shaughnessy, Chris Manhertz, Tyler Davis, and Ben Ellefson.
Manhertz, formerly of the Carolina Panthers, was signed during free agency.
He is primarily a blocking tight end.
O’Shaughnessy has been with the team since 2017 and is a reliable tight end.
Overall, the roster is crowded with tight ends that are not exactly giving opposing defensive coordinators sleepless nights.
Not all of these players will make the team which also makes Tebow’s signing not a big deal since he could be one of those who does not make the final 53-man roster.
As a side note, some believe if Tebow makes the final roster, Meyer’s credibility in the locker room is already in jeopardy.
"If [Tim Tebow] makes this team, it's just gonna really hurt Urban's ability to stand up in front of the team and say 'Hey, how you play matters."
—@RealTannenbaum pic.twitter.com/dEuZ4D7Swd
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) May 14, 2021
Meyer Has a Love-Hate Relationship With Tight Ends
Throughout his NCAA coaching career, Meyer has gone from rags to riches when it comes to tight end play.
Unlike Cleveland Browns Head Coach Kevin Stefanski who consistently uses multiple tight end schemes in his offenses, Meyer uses tight ends if he believes he has good ones.
His offenses do not necessarily thrive off of tight end play.
Meyer tends to be more reliant on strong wide receiver play so tight ends are only emphasized if he has quality ones.
A notable example of one of his best tight ends was Aaron Hernandez who played well at Florida despite the off-the-field issues that shortened his NFL career and ultimately his life.
Having Tebow Will Not Make or Break Lawrence
Lawrence’s success in his rookie year is not tied to how many passes he completes to Tebow.
Tebow is officially a Jaguar. There’s never a dull moment with Urban Meyer, but what’s going to matter is whether Trevor Lawrence is as good as advertised https://t.co/KDRzrywSrp
— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) May 20, 2021
The Jaguars need to get back to basics to ensure Lawrence has success.
One of those basics is the running game, and the Jaguars drafted Lawrence’s former Clemson teammate Travis Etienne to give him a boost in the backfield.
Also, Lawrence needs the protection of the offensive line and playmakers at the wide receiver role to give him rookie success.
Should Tim Tebow make the final 53-man roster, he will be a fan favorite.
Meyer reported Tebow is physically in the condition of an athlete nearly half his age which will make him interesting to watch.
“He looks like he’s 18 years old.”
Urban Meyer on what his Jaguars coaches said of Tim Tebow during a try out.
(Via @CollinsworthPFF)
— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) May 11, 2021
However, it is not reasonable to expect or assume that Tebow will be for Lawrence what Gronk is to Tom Brady.
This is the NFL though, and anything is possible so we will have to wait and see.
NEXT: Realistic Expectations for Trevor Lawrence In His Rookie Season
