Dec 3, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs tight end Darnell Washington (0) catches a touchdown pass behind LSU Tigers linebacker Micah Baskerville (23) during the first half during the SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Yes, the Jets may have added a trio of tight ends last off-season when they signed CJ Uzomah and Tyler Conklin
before drafting Jeremy Ruckert of Ohio State with pick number 101, but NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah says that may not be enough. And in this case, we’d tend to agree.Yes, adding three tight ends should be enough to solidify the position for a few years and in all likelihood, the Jets have probably done that. Uzomah, Conklin and Ruckert will give the jets a trio of good to very good tight ends who can offer something as pass catchers and blockers. What they may not be able to do is bring the game-breaking ability that could be offered by some of the tight ends in this year’s class.
Having a tight end who can help move the chains and be a safety valve for your quarterback is clearly an asset, but a big play option would be welcome. Take for example Georgia’s Darnell Washington. A 6′ 7” athletic freak of nature, Washington’s numbers in college won’t wow you, but his game day performances will.
Capable of being both a punishing blocker and a receiver down the field, Washington averaged an impressive 17.2 yards per reception during his time as a Bulldog. This, compared to Ruckert’s 11.4. The only thing potentially stopping the Jets from adding a premium tight end is their draft position. Do they value any of the top tight ends enough to consider them at thirteen? It’s unlikely. No matter how much they like Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer, Oregon Stat’s Luke Musgrave or Dalton Kincaid out of Utah. All have been mentioned as being a top tight end, but who remains on the clock at pick 43?
No matter the Jets approach, Jeremiah isn’t wrong when he says the Jets should look to add a pass catcher at tight end who can be a difference maker on offense.