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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Sam Neumann

2019 NFL draft: The 4 best tight end options for the Jets

The Jets have finally found an answer at the tight end position in Chris Herndon.

The second-year player out of the University of Miami was one of the best tight ends in last year’s class. However, with the lack of depth at the position and a suspension for Herndon looming, the Jets might use a premium selection at the position.

Let’s take a look at the four best tight end options for the Jets this weekend.

Dawson Knox, Ole Miss

Ole Miss Rebels tight end Dawson Knox (9) runs after a catch in the second quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at War Memorial Stadium. (Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports)

Dawson Knox was overshadowed by the level of talent at wide receiver at Ole Miss. Now, he finally has the chance to show off due to a combination of measurables, standing at 6-foot-4, and traits.

Knox’s route running surely needs some work, but his athleticism and run-blocking ability make him the perfect complement to Chris Herndon.

Josh Oliver, San Jose State

\South tight end Josh Oliver of San Jose State (89) catches a pass during the South squad 2019 Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. (John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports)

Josh Oliver is an above-average athlete with plus ball skills.

His route-running and ball-tracking ability would allow the Jets to push the ball down the field more. Oliver can also flash as an in-line blocker but will need to refine his skill set in order to develop into a No. 1 tight end.

Oliver has a relatively high ceiling. He will never have a big factor in the run game, but can easily have a massive impact in the passing game. Oliver is a nice Day 3 target that can be a complementary tight end.

Drew Sample, Washington

North tight end Drew Sample of Washington (88) carries the ball during the North squad 2019 Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. (John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports)

Drew Sample is the prototypical blocking tight end. His 6-foot-5 frame and overall toughness is what team’s dream of at that position.

However, that does not discount him as being a threat in the passing attack. He possesses enough speed and ball skills to become a better pass-catching tight end at the pro level.

He projects to be a combination tight end who can be a nice find on Day 3.

Alize Mack, Notre Dame

Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Alize Mack (86) celebrates after Notre Dame defeated the Florida State Seminoles at Notre Dame Stadium. (Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports)

Alize Mack is athletically gifted but was never able to showcase that in South Bend. He also sat out his sophomore season due to his academics and was suspended for the Citrus Bowl as a junior for violating team rules.

The talent never matched the production at Notre Dame. Mack is an exceptional blocker, as well as a smooth route-runner. If he can get his talent to match his production, he will be a successful combination tight end in the NFL.

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