Early expectations for Christopher Herndon

The New York Jets added yet another tight end to their roster in Round 4 of the 2018 NFL Draft. Here are some early expectations for tight end Christopher Herndon out of Miami.

Last year was a good year for the New York Jets when it came to production from the tight end position. Former Jet Austin Seferian-Jenkins put in a lot of work to make the tight end position something worth speaking about. Last year, he totaled 357 receiving yards, 50 receptions, and three touchdowns.

These aren’t exactly record-setting numbers but for years before 2017, the tight end position on the Jets was nonexistent. Former offensive coordinators used tight ends mainly as blockers on offense to make up for inefficiencies on their offensive line. Since Seferian-Jenkins bolted via free agency, it left a void at tight end that the Jets wanted to fill throughout the offseason and especially in the 2018 NFL Draft.

In Round 4 of this year’s draft, the Jets drafted tight end Christopher Herndon out of Miami. It’s expected that newly promoted offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates will continue to incorporate the tight end position on offense and hopefully, if Herndon and Jordan Leggett are healthy, they can form a new one-two punch.

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The only knock on Herndon is he’s coming off MCL surgery as it will require a bit more time to completely heal. He will miss some organized team activities of the Jets as they’ll likely be patient as he continues to rehab and resume football activities. All indications point to Herndon being good to go by the start of training camp this summer.

Expectations are good for Herndon as he was a decent player in college that will likely do well with the Jets as early as his rookie season. In three years at Miami, Herndon totaled 1,048 receiving yards, 86 receptions, and seven touchdowns.

Again, health is a concern for Herndon but he’s on his way towards being ready to compete for the starting tight end spot on the Jets roster as it’s expected to be an intense competition. If Herndon can showcase his speed and ability to make plays when the football is in his hands, he should be a nice surprise all summer long.