NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

New York Jets: 3 Key questions entering 2018 training camp

By Stephen Smith

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: Sam Darnold of USC gestures after being picked #3 overall by the New York Jets during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: Sam Darnold of USC gestures after being picked #3 overall by the New York Jets during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

2. Who wins the starting tight end battle?

The Jets wanted to sign Austin Seferian-Jenkins to a new contract but they just couldn’t agree to terms so ASJ eventually inked a two-year, $10 million pact with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Although he will never remind anyone of Rob Gronkowski or Tony Gonzalez, Seferian-Jenkins was a reliable red zone target for Josh McCown last year. He compiled 50 receptions and was a reliable safety value in the middle of the field as well. The Jets will miss him.

On to 2018. Jordan Leggett and Chris Herndon will battle for the starting tight end post in training camp and the preseason. Eric Tomlinson should be listed as third on the depth chart. Leggett was New York’s fifth round selection in the 2017 NFL Draft (150th overall) but the University of Clemson product missed the entire season last year due to a knee injury.

He underwent surgery and is on the road to recovery. The 6-5, 258-pounder is not considered a great athlete or blocker. However, he developed a nose for the end zone at Clemson by grabbing 18 touchdown passes, including seven for the 2016 National Champions.

Herndon was picked in the fourth round (107th overall) in this year’s draft. The University of Miami product was a three-year starter for the Hurricanes and was a second-team All-ACC selection in his senior year. The 6-4, 252-pounder recorded 40 catches for 477 yards and four touchdowns for Miami before tearing his MCL in their season finale. He was limited during Gang Green’s rookie minicamp but hopes to be near 100 percent by the start of training camp.

This competition is totally up in the air. Herndon is the more consistent blocker and is excellent in YAC (yards after catch). Leggett is more explosive downfield and has better separation skills. Both are similar in frame. Off the field, Herndon was arrested last month for DUI. We’ll have to see how that scenario plays out but he may be subject to suspension by the NFL.

A battle like this is what training camp and the preseason is all about. I’d say it’s 50-50 at this point. Both have a lot to prove. Snap on the chinstrap and let the best man win.

Home/New York Jets