The Jacksonville Jaguars are eyeing potential upgrades at tight end as the draft approaches, and a key name has emerged in their pre-draft process. NC State's Justin Joly, a productive pass-catcher, has reportedly held a virtual meeting with the team, signaling genuine interest from the front office.
With the Jaguars expected to target the position early on Day 2, Joly presents an intriguing option. Over his collegiate career, he established himself as a reliable receiving threat, boasting a 71% career catch rate. His most notable season came in 2024, where he racked up 661 receiving yards, demonstrating his ability to be a consistent weapon in the passing game.
Scouting reports, like the one from NFL.com's Lance Zierlein, highlight Joly as an "undersized pass-catcher" with the athleticism to challenge coverage and expand a route tree. He's projected as a movable 'F' tight end who can create mismatches—a valuable archetype in today's NFL. However, analysts note that improving his blocking, a crucial aspect in Liam Coen's offensive system, will be a key area of development.
Currently ranked as the 117th overall prospect, Joly has been connected to the Jaguars in recent mock drafts, including a projection to pick No. 100 by The Athletic. As Jacksonville looks to build a more dynamic offense, adding a versatile tight end like Justin Joly could be a strategic move to provide their quarterback with another dependable target and add a new dimension to their attack.
