NY Jets: 3 under-the-radar standouts from spring practices

1. Tyler Kroft, TE, NY Jets

The Jets' tight end depth chart is a bit of a mystery at this stage. Chris Herndon entered OTAs as the presumed starter, but after a disappointing showing, the former fourth-round pick was seemingly demoted.

In his place, the likes of Tyler Kroft and Ryan Griffin have stepped up and played well. The former, in particular, seems to stand a pretty good chance at receiving a significant role in the offense this year.

The Jets signed Kroft in the offseason expecting him to be more of a complement to Herndon. The former Cincinnati Bengals tight end is more of a blocker, although he's shown the ability to be a capable receiver in the past.

And he's given the Jets a little glimpse of that as well. Kroft made a beautiful grab down the sideline on a nicely thrown ball from Zach Wilson during Wednesday's practice — a practice in which he received the majority of first-team reps.

With Herndon struggling (and then being held out of Wednesday's practice), Kroft has every chance to take over as the team's starting tight end.

He's certainly making his case.

Kroft's impressive play this spring has flown under the radar, but the 28-year-old might just be the Jets' Week 1 starter at tight end.

It's time to start paying attention.