Jeremy Ruckert becomes the third tight end the New York Jets added this offseason
From the shores of Babylon to the turf of East Rutherford, Jeremy Ruckert is once again on pace to make a gridiron defense in tri-state area football.
With the 101st pick in the 2022 NFL draft, the New York Jets went into the weekend with another tight end in their arsenal, welcoming in Ohio State’s Jeremy Ruckert in the late stages of the third round.
Ruckert, 21, is a Long Island native, hailing from Lindenhurst in Suffolk County. He’s also the third tight end the Jets have added this offseason, joining veteran free agents C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Conklin.
Ruckert was better known for his dominant blocking physicality (particular in the run game) in Columbus but also established himself as a reliable red-zone threat, earning 12 touchdowns on 53 receptions over the last three seasons. He notably nabbed two scores in the Buckeyes’ 2021 upset victory in the Sugar Bowl over Clemson in the College Football Playoff, one of four multi-touchdown games in his career.
The Jets could use a reliable red zone option and a sizable protection unit as they seek to make franchise quarterback Zach Wilson more comfortable in his second season. The team ranked 20th in red zone touchdown percentage last season and no New York tight has scored more than five touchdowns since Johnny Mitchell in 1993.
Ruckert grew up a fan of the team he now represents. The official Twitter account of the Ohio State football team shared this photo of a young Ruckert donning Jets gear.
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) April 30, 2022
New York is currently on schedule for two more picks in the 2022 NFL draft on Saturday, both coming in the fourth round at the 6th and 12th spots (111th and 117th overall, respectively).
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
