NY Jets: 4 mid-round tight ends to target in the 2021 NFL Draft

4. NY Jets draft target: Tre’ McKitty, TE, Georgia

Tre’ McKitty is a classic example of a prospect who will likely be a more productive NFL player than he was in college.

A former three-star recruit, McKitty chose Florida State over the likes of Auburn, Florida, and Oregon after receiving significant interest from a number of schools. However, he never quite lived up to expectations in college.

McKitty’s most productive season came back in 2018 when he hauled in 26 catches for 256 yards and two touchdowns. A similar season came in 2019 before he transferred to Georgia in his senior season.

The 22-year-old played in seven games in 2020, but managed just six catches for 108 yards and a touchdown. Modest production, but it should be noted that it came on just 10 targets.

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McKitty was utilized mostly as an in-line move tight end serving primarily as a blocker. He’s hardly the greatest athlete, but when asked to contribute in the passing game, McKitty has been effective.

The Florida native has excellent body control and uses all of his 6-foot-4, 246-pound frame to box out defenders. His lack of speed and athleticism limits his separation skills, but he’s competent in contested-catch situations.

McKitty has fine straight-line speed, but he lacks the elusiveness to be much of a threat after the catch. That said, he isn’t an easy ball carrier to bring down and has fantastic hands.

McKitty could be an excellent complement to Herndon and provide a boost to the Jets’ run game as an in-line blocker.

Expect him to find more success in the NFL than he did in college.

Next: 3. Jacob Harris