NY Jets Post-NFL Draft State of the Roster: Tight ends

The NY Jets will host a deep tight end group heading into 2020

The NY Jets made a lot of improvements to their overall offense in the offseason. From addressing the offensive line to reshaping the wide receiver position, the Jets’ offense will look completely different in 2020.

But one position that figures to look very similar will be the tight end position. Or at the very least, there was essentially no offseason turnover at that spot.

The Jets went into the offseason with four tight ends on their roster and one pending unrestricted free agent. That free agent was re-signed giving the team virtually the exact same tight end depth chart as they had last year.

Albeit with one key returning player.

Let’s take a look at the Jets’ projected tight ends in 2020.

NY Jets projected starters

• Chris Herndon
• Ryan Griffin

We’re going to list both Chris Herndon and Ryan Griffin as starters as it’s likely both see a significant number of snaps in 2020. And for all of last season, Griffin essentially was the team’s starter.

The former sixth-round pick started 13 games for the Jets last year hauling in 34 grabs for 320 yards and five touchdowns. After being essentially picked up off the streets, Griffin surprised many with a very productive season starting in place of the injured Herndon.

But while he was a fine replacement, there’s no doubt that the Jets will welcome Herndon back with open arms.

After an incredibly promising rookie season, Herndon missed all but less than 15 minutes of action last season dealing with two separate injuries as well as a four-game suspension to start the year.

As far as sophomore NFL seasons go, it doesn’t get much worse than that.

The Jets severely missed Herndon’s blocking ability and he’ll certainly be an improvement over Griffin in the receiving game as well. Look for Herndon to hopefully pick up where he left off in 2018 and continue to establish chemistry with quarterback Sam Darnold.

With Herndon and Griffin leading the charge, the Jets should have one of the stronger tight end duos in the NFL heading into 2020.

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NY Jets projected backups

• Trevon Wesco
• Daniel Brown
• Ross Travis

The Jets decided to re-sign standout special-teamer Daniel Brown to a one-year contract in the offseason to help compete for one of the depth tight ends spots. But with five on the roster, there’s no chance that all make the team.

Brown’s best chance at making the team will be through special teams where he served as one of Brant Boyer‘s most versatile assets. But it’s probably best that he stays off the field on offense.

The hope is that 2019 fourth-round pick Trevon Wesco will be able to take on a bigger role in 2020. The West Virginia product was used as a hybrid fullback/tight end last season and it’s expected that he will reprise that role this season.

And if all goes according to plan, he could also beat out Brown for the No. 3 tight end spot.

Ross Travis will enter training camp as one of the bigger longshots to make the team. The former undrafted free agent had stints with both the Kansas City Chiefs and Indianapolis Colts before being claimed off waivers by the Jets in late December.

He’ll need an impressive showing in training camp to force the Jets to alter their roster plans.

Ultimately, the Jets’ tight end group could be one of the strengths of the roster if they could steer clear of injury troubles and play up to expectations.