The New York Jets offense will decide how far this team can go this season. They've been afforded with a top-tier defense that's ranked among the best in football over the past few seasons and now it's time for the offense to hold up its end of the bargain.
This team desperately needs production from their skill-playing positions and quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Stars Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson were the workhorses in 2023, but the revolving room of quarterbacks for the Jets didn't have much to work with outside of those two players.
Wide receiver Allen Lazard has also been a major disappointment after signing a four-year, $44 million contract before last season and was even inactive for a couple of games in 2023 due to his play. Rookie Xavier Gipson was the highlight of the Week 1 win over the Buffalo Bills in 2023 proceeded to have only 229 receiving yards in the entire season.
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Offseason additions at the wide receiver position such as Mike Williams in free agency and Malachi Corley in the 2024 NFL Draft should be a major upgrade from Gipson and Lazard. With that being said, an under-the-radar skill position player that the Jets brass has raved about heading into the 2024 season is tight end Tyler Conklin.
Jets HC Robert Saleh raving about offensive weapon's role in 2024
Conklin has been turning heads during the Jets off-season programs up to this point. Head coach Robert Saleh spoke highly of the five-year vet during a press conference after yesterday's voluntary OTAs.
"He is one of the better-contested catch guys in football," Saleh said Wednesday. "He's unbelievable in tight-window throws and a very reliable receiver for the quarterback, but he also blocks his tail off in line as a tight end.
Conklin should become a premier target for Aaron Rodgers back in the fold and fully healthy. After hauling 93 receptions and 922 receiving yards throughout his first four years with the Minnesota Vikings, Conklin has been a viable option since coming to the Jets in 2022 even with the laundry list of Jets quarterbacks slinging the ball. His elite ability to catch the football is what sticks out.
His 12 contested catches in 2023 were second-most among TE to only Sam LaPorta.
— Michael Nania (@Michael_Nania) June 4, 2024
Caught 12/18 contested targets; 67% catch rate was 3rd among TE with 10+ targets
Really good player, looking forward to seeing him with Rodgers https://t.co/Z2PkoWCAxD
There were a lot of reports before the 2024 NFL Draft that Jets general manager Joe Douglas coveted the highly regarded Georgia tight end, Brock Bowers. He provided a balance of blocking and pass-catching ability that translates to the NFL. Ultimately, Douglas decided that it was in the team's best interest to go with depth at the left tackle position with Olu Fashanu.
Although Conklin may not bring the same balance of size and athletic ability that Bowers has, the 28-year-old has been able to showcase his ability with pathetic quarterback play. The return of Rodgers will also help improve and enhance Conklin's receiving stats that may not have jumped out on paper over the last few years.
https://t.co/Z2PkoWCAxD pic.twitter.com/D2KT1rXhd9
— Michael Nania (@Michael_Nania) June 4, 2024
Sure, Conklin is by no means the star on a young and talented Jets offense. But he provides a solid weapon that Rodgers will utilize in the middle of the field and look to for crucial third downs this year.
