Jets Aim to Strengthen Tight End Position Ahead of Draft

The New York Jets prepare for the 2018 NFL draft. They could really use that pick to shore up a terrible tight end position. Because as things stand, they find themselves on the hot seat. They’re relying on Jeremy Ruckert, their 2022 third-round pick, but he’s not done much on the field. As the team looks to rebuild its offense, they are weighing several options to enhance their roster, including potential high-impact players.

So far, Ruckert has recorded just 35 receptions and he’s yet to catch a touchdown in his career. Yet, here he is today, at the epicenter of the Jets’ tight end conundrum. The team is counting on Ruckert making a leap. They’ve already held him back. To really reach the ceiling collectively, they need him to be a bigger factor as a pass catcher. His continued development will be key as the Jets try to move towards a more explosive offense.

Current Tight End Landscape

With their tight end depth chart looking razor thin, the Jets have been active trying to add talent at the position. The addition of Josh Reynolds immediately gives them a strong physical presence. He’ll be a factor as a pass catcher and as a runner. At 6-foot-3, Reynolds brings outstanding versatility. He’s able to line up anywhere on the field, even in the backfield, which makes the Jets offensive schemes that much more dynamic.

Yet the most alarming issue, their lack of depth being top concern, is the position with which they enter 2023. Tyler Warren has become a consensus top prospect in the upcoming draft. The 6-foot-6, 256-pound tight end presents an enticing option for the Jets as a potential quick fix for their needs. Several reports have suggested that the Jets have been all over Warren and done their homework on him. They view him as the missing piece to their offensive puzzle.

“With a dual-threat quarterback now in Justin Fields, and to have a guy like Tyler Warren in there as well, it would really give defensive coordinators a lot to worry about.” – Mel Kiper Jr.

>Beyond Warren, the Jets still have options like Tyler Johnson and Stone Smartt. Both players were low-money pickups last year. As individually talented as they were though, they didn’t pack the punch – combining for just 55 receptions and two TDs. Their continued lackluster performance has many wondering if they will ever deliver on their promises.

Building Around Young Talent

The Jets have doubled down on rebuilding their offense with a new regime. They’re doing more than that—they’re focusing on the creation of sustainable talent. Xavier Gipson may have been the best slot receiver in the whole FCS. The coaching staff is looking for him to emerge and be a more prominent factor on this team. Even though he only had six receptions last year, his ability has made an impression on the coaching staff.

Aaron Rodgers, the team’s star quarterback, expressed confidence in his ability to utilize his weapons effectively. “The most important thing is winning. I throw it to the open guy,” he stated, highlighting his focus on team success.

Darren Mougey, also a member of the coaching staff, was sure to express confidence in the receiving corps as well. “The receiver room, we feel good about. Of course, it all begins with G-Dub, one of the best receivers out there,” he said of standout receiver Garrett Wilson. Wilson is a dynamic playmaker, and his addition should help open things up for the entire offense.

“When it comes to Garrett, we all know what Garrett can do. Garrett is a dynamic player, so I’m looking forward to being able to get him the ball as much as possible.” – Aaron Glenn

The Jets’ front office understands that with so many youthful players on their roster, their green talent needs to make an impact right away. Aaron Glenn stated emphatically, “I was always taught you can’t be afraid of young players.” That philosophy will inform their approach as they continue to sort through roster decisions in the days leading up to the draft.

Strategic Decisions Ahead

With the draft just around the corner, the Jets need to make some big strategic decisions about their desired roster construction. The tight end position is an even higher priority. More than just a good athlete, it’s not just about getting the best athlete able to contribute right away. Warren’s profile fits this mold perfectly, and his addition would bring these benefits immediately.

The Jets’ front office has been extremely wise to weigh their options in the months leading up to the draft. Through these signings, they have looked to build a strong front to protect the quarterback and fill holes at important positions. Young talented players and seasoned NHLers will unite to provide a spirit of competitiveness. This combination of mission and action is more important than ever in an increasingly competitive league environment.

“He’s going to be able to help create explosive plays in the run game, and that’s one thing that we talked about quite a bit,” remarked Aaron Glenn regarding Reynolds’ potential impact. “If you don’t block, you don’t get a rock. Those guys get that.”

As the Jets get ready for draft day, they’ll need to walk a fine line between addressing immediate concerns and focusing on developing the future. Hitting that balance—which is no guarantee—would help them find their way to becoming a deeper, more competitive squad in future seasons.