The New York Jets haven't had a big history of claiming players on the waiver wire over the years.
That changed this week, though, as the team claimed undrafted tight end Brenden Bates from the Chicago Bears. Bates, a tight end out of Kentucky made a name for himself during the preseason and training camp as a solid pass catcher and blocker.
As he enters his first practice week with New York, though, what kind of role is Bates expected to have?
New York currently has just two tight ends on the active roster outside of Bates - Tyler Conklin and Jeremy Ruckert.
Both Ruckert and Conklin are considered complete tight ends who can be excellent pass catchers as well as competent blockers. The problem is that the Jets offense loves to use three tight-end sets on the field at times meaning they will need a third tight end as well.
For Bates, he may have been second on the team in receiving during the preseason for Chicago, but he has been an excellent blocker even back to his time as a member of the Wildcats.If he can produce at that same high level, the Jets should be very confident in their third tight-end situation finally.
