4 most notable unsung heroes for the NY Jets in 2022

2. C.J. Uzomah, TE, NY Jets

The Jets made some noise this offseason when they signed both Tyler Conklin and C.J. Uzomah to sizable free-agent contracts as they looked to overhaul their tight end room.

The results have been mixed this season, but both players have had their moments. Conklin has been utilized more in the passing game, but Uzomah has started to emerge in recent weeks as the more reliable player of the two.

Conklin's 56 catches for 539 yards and three touchdowns all rank second on the team behind Garrett Wilson. In many ways, he's overshadowed his fellow tight end. That's why Uzomah lands on this list — he's still made an impact.

Uzomah is one of only six tight ends in the NFL with at least 20 targets to not register a single drop this season. He's hauled in all four of his contested catch opportunities, also one of only six tight ends to have a 100 percent contested catch rate.

On top of that, Uzomah's 129.5 passer rating when targeted ranks fifth in the league ahead of players like Dallas Goedert and Travis Kelce. He hasn't been utilized a ton in the passing game, but when he has, the Jets have found a lot of success.

Uzomah has also proven to be a more-than-capable blocker as well. His 62.7 Pro Football Focus run blocking grade ranks 12th among all qualified tight ends. He's specifically been effective as a gap blocker as his 66.4 gap run-blocking grade ranks fourth at his position.

Uzomah is someone the Jets probably should have utilized more this season as he's been efficient and effective when on the field. The box score numbers don't begin to tell the story with him in 2022.