Wide receiver Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall likely won't last past the second round in fantasy football drafts across the country, but there's actually a better value pick to target on the New York Jets' roster.
New York's second-leading receiver, in terms of yardage, from the last two seasons will likely be available in the late rounds of drafts. Jets' tight end Tyler Conklin isn't expected to put up Travis Kelce type numbers, but the starting TE1 can realistically land amongst the Top 8 producers at his position by season's end.
Despite the Jets ranking amongst the NFL's least productive offenses, Conklin has managed more than respectable statistics as pass-catcher. The 6-foot-3 sure-handed receiver has caught nearly 70 percent of targets since joining the Green & White as a free agent. In 2023, he gained 621 yards receiving on 61 receptions in the face of great instability at the quarterback position.
"He can get open. He's an excellent route runner, unbelievable hands," said Jets' general manager Joe Douglas this past March.
Conklin's catchable targets should increase with four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers running the offense and his red zone opportunities will likely follow. The Jets, as a whole, are expected to visit the red zone more frequently with their improved offense.
Set to turn 29 years old on July 30, Conklin carries a much higher fantasy point-scoring ceiling in 2024 due to the potential for a significant jump in touchdowns. The Jets' TE1 did not find the end zone in 2023 and has scored only three TDs in 34 games in Green & White. Nothing is guaranteed, but one should be able to expect an increase just by the law of averages.
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Conklin is an ultimate fantasy sleeper in the sense that he seems destined to out-perform his average fantasy draft position. Likely to be drafted as a TE2 in most fantasy leagues, the top tier is within reach.
In ESPN's PPR positional rankings, Conklin ranks as the No. 17 tight end on the draft board. Meanwhile, 70 receptions, 730 yards and five touchdowns are certainly attainable numbers in a Rodgers-led offense.
If Conklin is ever going to have a career year, the time is now.
