The Jacksonville Jaguars signed tight end Marcedes Lewis to a five-year deal on Friday. Lewis, who was selected in the first round, will start the season as a backup to veteran Kyle Brady. Lewis could step in and become a part of the offense though, since veteran receiver Jimmy Smith retired in the offseason. Lewis' deal is worth $7.5 million.
At 6-foot-6, Lewis has the potential to be a big threat down near the red zone. At UCLA, Lewis recorded 126 passes for 1,571 yards and 21 touchdowns. Lewis is considered to be the second best tight end in the draft behing Maryland star Vernon Davis. Lewis, at 6-foot-6 and 265 pounds, won the 2005 John Mackey award for the nations best tight end. Lewis led UCLA with 59 receptions for 741 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.
Lewis is the classic tweener. He's not the best blocker, but is able to blow past linebackers and safties with his speed. Has a tendency to make the great catch, but drop the easy ones. He will mainly be used as a recieving tight end and occassional slot receiver. Lewis is among the lines of Jeremy Shockey or Kellen Winslow Jr. (not as good as those two) but a versatile hybrid who can make plays off of the line of scrimmage or split out wide.