New York Jets: 3 Early bold predictions for the 2018 season

2. Tight end Chris Herndon will make the NFL All-Rookie squad

It was so refreshing to see the Jets rediscover the tight end last year. It was long overdue. Austin Seferian-Jenkins is not going to remind anyone of Rob Gronkowski but he turned into a reliable red zone target in 2017. After the 2015 and 2016 seasons in which Gang Green tight ends combined for a grand total of 26 catches, ASJ recorded 50 receptions and scored three touchdowns. Too bad he’s now on the Jacksonville Jaguars.

General Manager Mike Maccagnan clearly needed to upgrade the position via the draft. He made a strong pick in the fourth round by tabbing Chris Herndon from the University of Miami.

The 6-4, 253-pounder was a second-team All-ACC selection with 40 receptions for 447 yards and four scores in his senior campaign. A knee injury in his last game kept Herndon out of the Senior Bowl but he is expected to be fully ready to go by training camp in late July.

Let’s face it, New York’s tight end depth chart is pretty ugly right now. Jordan Leggett, Eric Tomlinson, Clive Walford and Neal Sterling don’t exactly strike fear in the hearts of opposing defensive coordinators. That’s where Herndon comes in. He’s known for being an excellent athlete who can line up anywhere on the field. He’s not overly fast but he owns a quick burst off the line and is a load to tackle. Herndon has very good hands and his size and strength should make him an above-average red zone target.

The Norcross, GA native is an effective run-blocker as well so he won’t have to come off the field in obvious rushing situations. Once he’s 100 percent healthy, it should not take too long for Herndon to make an impact. When all is said and done, Herndon will be named to the 2018 NFL All-Rookie team at tight end. His ceiling is that high.