In less than a week, the Jets will be back in action with the beginning of training camp. Once the pads go on and the players begin to go after it under the hot summer sun, New York will be one step closer to kicking off what figures to be a promising 2019 season.
Throughout camp, the veterans and incumbent starters will focus on perfecting their craft and getting comfortable with new offensive and defensive schemes. The fringe players will spend training camp and the preseason fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster with the coaching staff keeping a watchful eye over them through it all.
In anticipation of camp beginning, Jets Wire will break down where New York stands at each position. From positions that are seemingly set in stone to those that will feature plenty of competition, there will be plenty to watch for throughout late July and early August.
Let’s take a look at how the tight end position is shaping up.
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The Starter
After a strong rookie season, Chris Herndon is back and primed to be one of New York’s best offensive players this upcoming season.
Herndon’s 2019 debut will have to wait a bit, as he will serve a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy after a DWI incident last summer. When Herndon returns to the field in Week 5, the starting tight end job is indisputably his.
He sometimes flies under the radar, but Herndon has the potential to develop into a dangerous weapon in his second season. Once he gets back on the field, Gang Green’s offense will be at full strength and Herndon will have the chance to build on a strong 2018 campaign.
The Blockers
With Chris Herndon suspended to begin the season, the Jets are in a bind at tight end. Two of the three remaining tight ends on New York’s depth chart are primarily blockers, which puts the Jets in a predicament.
Barring any new players entering the mix, Eric Tomlinson and Trevon Wesco will see the bulk of the snaps at tight end in Herndon’s absence. Tomlinson and Wesco aren’t exactly threats in the passing game, leaving Adam Gase without a vertical threat to work with in the passing game.
Tomlinson and Wesco can get the job done if needed, but they cannot replicate what Herndon brings to the table.
The Wild Card
Daniel Brown is somewhat of an unknown entering training camp. The 27-year-old is entering his fifth NFL season, but has yet to make much of an impact.
That has a chance to change as long as Brown plays well in camp. He is a converted wide receiver and has the route-running skills and pass-catching ability that the Jets need with Chris Herndon sidelined.
Throughout his career, Brown has been buried on depth charts without much of an opportunity to prove himself. With the Jets, he will finally get that chance.
Final Analysis
No matter how you slice it, the Jets are in a tough spot at tight end to start the season. With Chris Herndon out, New York will have to plug pieces in and hope they fit.
Eric Tomlinson and Trevon Wesco will be tasked with expanding their games. It might be a lot to ask, but the Jets are going to need one of the two to step up and make some plays in the passing game. Daniel Brown will also need to prove that he can be the receiving threat New York needs at the position throughout the preseason. If he doesn’t, the Jets will have to look outside the organization for help.
