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Productive tight end has pre-draft meeting with Jacksonville Jaguars
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- Productive tight end has pre-draft meeting with Jacksonville Jaguars
Tight end could be an early round position that we see the Jacksonville Jaguars' target, and one player on their radar is NC State's Justin Joly.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated's Justin Melo , Joly said that the Jaguars were one of several teams that he's had virtual meetings with. As we've discussed, the Jaguars won't be hosting prospects on official pre-draft visits.
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Let's take a closer look at what Joly could bring to the Jaguars.
Jaguars 2026 NFL draft prospect to watch: NC State TE Justin Joly
Joly has been active in the passing game, totaling 233 targets over four seasons -- with the last two years coming at NC State. He's been a reliable target as well, hauling in 71% of his career targets. Joly's most productive season came in 2024, when he totaled 661 receiving yards. He did have a career-high seven touchdowns, however, in 2025. Blocking is a very important aspect to playing tight end in Liam Coen's offense. Only 39% of Joly's career snaps have come as a blocker, according to PFF .
ESPN's Jordan Reid wrote that tight end is one of the positions that the Jaguars are "expected to target right away on Day 2."
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Joly is the 117th-ranked prospect overall on the consensus big board . The Athletic's Dane Brugler recently mocked Joly to the Jaguars at pick No. 100.
Justin Joly's athletic profile
Justin Joly's draft profile
Here is what NFL.com's Lance Zierlein had to say about Joly in his pre-draft scouting report:
"Undersized pass-catcher with the ability to expand the route tree and challenge man coverage around the field. Joly still needs to polish his route-running but he has the footwork and athletic traits to uncover. He doesn't catch with much hand extension and fights throws on occasion but he makes up for it with impressive body control/catch toughness. His effort and strain as a blocker need to improve. Joly has the ability to contribute as a moveable "F" tight end."
What kind of impact can Justin Joly have?
To conclude his interview with Melo, Joly was asked what kind of impact he could have at the NFL level:
"You're getting the ultimate competitor at tight end. I love to play this game. I'm going to come in ready to play and contribute. I want to make a name for myself."
What is the need at tight end for the Jaguars?
With Brenton Strange , Quintin Morris , and Hunter Long at the top of the depth chart, there isn't a huge need here for the 2026 season, although with only four tight ends under contract currently, additional depth is required.
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That said, the draft is about planning ahead, after all, and looking to the 2027 offseason, both Morris and Long are set to be free agents. Strange is as well, but he is expected to return.
An incoming rookie could then have the 2026 season to take on more of a developmental role. Also, with the Jaguars releasing Johnny Mundt , there is a roster spot open at tight end as well.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Jaguars meet virtually with NC State TE Justin Joly
