After a busy offseason for the New York Jets, hope is once again high for the 2024 season after some upgrades at positions of weakness last season and, of course, the return of Aaron Rodgers.
If the Jets can stay healthy, they look like a team that should certainly make the playoffs in 2024. With some notable names on both sides of the ball, the Jets do have a few players that have been key contributors that perhaps have flown under the radar.
Recently, CBS Sports spoke about who the most underrated player on each team in the NFL is. For the Jets, they chose tight end Tyler Conklin.
Here’s what they had to say about him.
Conklin has been a worthwhile addition to the Jets ever since they signed him to a three-year deal in 2022. Even with erratic quarterback play, the tight end has been a steady hand and one of the most productive pass-catchers. Conklin was second on the team with 621 receiving yards in 2023 — only looking up to Garrett Wilson — while his receptions ranked third. According to PFF, Conklin has caught 21 contested targets over the past two years, which is the second-most in the league.
Tyler Conklin should be a critical piece for the Jets in 2024
As the article states, Conklin has quietly been very good for the Jets since coming over from the Minnesota Vikings. In 2022, Conklin totaled 58 receptions, 552 receiving yards, and three receiving touchdowns.
He followed that up in 2023 with another solid year, as he totaled 61 receptions and 621 receiving yards.
For a tight end, those are some good numbers, and when you consider the poor quarterback play for the Jets over the last two seasons, Conklin has been impressive.
As we head into 2024, the Jets have some more talent than in years past on the offensive side of the ball. However, the combination of Conklin and Jeremy Ruckert is a solid and underrated duo at the tight end position.
With the Jets likely looking to run the ball with Breece Hall a lot in 2024 despite Rodgers coming back, having a good pass-catching tight end like Conklin will help keep defenses honest while providing the blocking ability of a tight end.
Now that the Jets will hopefully have some good quarterback play in 2024, we will have to see what Conklin can accomplish.
