NFL Draft 2024 Rumors: Jaguars Eye Trade Up for Pass-Catcher Amid Brock Bowers Buzz

The Jacksonville Jaguars are reportedly looking to bolster their passing attack in Thursday's NFL draft.

Per The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Jaguars have been "calling around" to attempt to move up from the No. 17 pick, and "teams taking their calls believe they are on the hunt for a specific pass catcher."

Longtime NFL draft analyst Todd McShay reported on Thursday that Jacksonville was one of the teams potentially interested in trading up for Georgia tight end Brock Bowers, along with the Indianapolis Colts.

Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported on Thursday that NFL teams "believe" Bowers won't fall out of the top 10 in Thursday's draft. In its most recent mock draft, B/R's NFL Scouting Department predicted the former Bulldog would be selected by the New York Jets with the No. 10 pick.

The Jaguars are coming off a disappointing 9-8 finish to the 2023 season after opening the year with a promising 6-2 record. After winning the 2022 AFC South title and making a run to the Divisional Round of the playoffs, Jacksonville fell short of the postseason last year.

It's no surprise that the Jags are hoping to continue building around star quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The 24-year-old made the Pro Bowl in 2022 but slightly regressed this past season, throwing for 4,106 yards, 21 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, just three shy of his career high.

Bowers would be a significant addition, as many believe he has a bright future in the NFL thanks to his unique skills at the tight end position. He was a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses during his three years at Georgia and was a two-time John Mackey Award winner as the nation's best tight end. He also earned unanimous All-American honors in 2023.

The price could be steep for the Jaguars to move up to select Bowers, but all signs point to him being worth the capital Jacksonville would have to give up.