5 tight ends the NY Jets should watch at the Senior Bowl

The NY Jets are in the midst of a pivotal offseason that will play a significant role in the organization’s mission to return to playoff contention.

Last offseason, drafting with intent to inject young talent into a barren Jets offense, general manager Joe Douglas invested their first four draft selections on the offensive side of the ball.

At various points in the season, Zach Wilson, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Elijah Moore, and Michael Carter flashed enough to give the Jets’ faithful optimism that the unit could eventually form the core of one of the league’s more explosive units.

However, despite their success, it was evident that the unit was missing a vital component.

Yes, I’m referring to the Jets glaring hole at the tight end position.

This season’s tight end room was headlined by a non-dynamic grouping of journeyman Tyler Kroft, Ryan Griffin, and the undrafted Kenny Yeboah, who combined to total less than 550 yards of offense.

First-year offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur did an admirable job of working around this black hole on offense, but the scheme he runs requires more production from the tight end position.

Given that the Jets’ coaching staff will be in Mobile to coach the National Team roster let’s look at five tight ends that the Jets should watch for at the Senior Bowl.

5. Cole Turner, Nevada

A converted tight end with plus size at 6-foot-6 240 pounds, Cole Turner served as one of potential first-round pick Carson Strong's favorite targets in Nevada’s potent offense.

In his final season with the Wolfpack, Turner posted strong numbers, catching 62 targets for 677 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Turner’s background as a wide receiver is evident in his route running and ability to get open down the seams. He uses his body well to shield off defenders and catch passes at their high point and flashes strong hands as he holds onto the ball through contact on many of his catches.

While still relatively new to the position, Turner is a dynamic receiving threat who would bring athleticism and upside to the Jets’ tight end room.

4. Jake Ferguson, Wisconsin

The intrigue with Jake Ferguson is his dual-threat abilities as both a receiver and a blocker. Ferguson played a significant role in sealing off defenders and creating holes in a run-oriented Wisconsin offense and plays with a bit of a mean streak.

While he isn’t the most dynamic receiver, Ferguson has a strong frame (6-foot-5 240 pounds) and is a sure-handed receiver.

Pairing him with Zach Wilson would give the team a strong blocker who could serve as a safety valve and red zone target for the young quarterback.

3. Charlie Kolar, Iowa State

Playing in an offense that featured All-American running back Breece Hall, Charlie Kolar made the most of his opportunities and finished with an impressive stat line (62 catches, 756 yards, six touchdowns).

The Iowa State product has an excellent feel for soft spots in zone defenses and knows how to use his body to generate separation from defenders.

With great size at 6-foot-6 260 pounds, Kolar is a dynamic receiving threat who capitalizes on opportunities to make plays downfield and in the red zone.

Kolar would step in as the Jets’ most dynamic tight end from Day 1 and provide Zach Wilson with an explosive target in the passing game.

2. Jeremy Ruckert, Ohio State

Jeremy Ruckert is a player whose draft stock will be higher on teams’ draft boards than the average fan might think.

In an Ohio State offense with many high-caliber receivers and running backs over the last few years, Ruckert did not get many opportunities to showcase his explosiveness during his tenure in Columbus.

However, Ruckert is a dynamic receiving threat who is very athletic for his size at 6-foot-5 250 pounds and is serviceable when tasked with putting his hand in the ground to block on the line.

At just 21-years-old (will not turn 22 until August), Ruckert’s upside is incredible and could develop into a plus starter at the position if placed in a suitable scheme.

1. Trey McBride, Colorado State

If the Jets are serious about improving their tight end room through the draft, the first player they should look at is Trey McBride.

McBride is the most well-rounded receiver in the class who combines dynamic receiving ability (90 catches for 1,121 yards in 2021) with the size (6-foot-4, 260 pounds) and mentality to be a plus blocker at the tight end position.

One of McBride's defining traits is the physicality and aggressive demeanor he plays with. He not only invites contact from defenders, but more often than not, he's the one who initiates collisions.

This translates to his blocking as well where he put several reps on tape of him driving a defender to the ground upon impact.

With his talents, McBride will be a Day 1 starter on whichever team drafts him in April and has the upside to be a top-10 talent at the position.

Armed with the third and sixth picks of the second round, one would have to believe that the Jets would jump at the chance to select McBride and give Zach Wilson more weapons to work with as he continues his development.