Three New York Jets players take the field at Tight End University
The “Tight End University” summit started today and the New York Jets will be well represented.
Most notably, quarterback Zach Wilson is one of three quarterbacks that will be throwing passes to some of the best tight ends in the NFL.
Wilson will be joined by Bills quarterback Josh Allen and former 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard. After bulking up this offseason, Wilson still looks big next to Josh Allen in this video from The Athletic reporter David Lombardi.
QBs at Tight End U: Josh Allen, Zach Wilson and former 49er C.J. Beathard pic.twitter.com/qKXsZSoZxu
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) June 23, 2022
Following his disappointing rookie season, Wilson has been putting in the work all offseason. Earlier in the year, Wilson traveled to Tennesee, Florida, Utah, and Arizona to work with teammates.
#Jets QB Zach Wilson (@ZachWilson) slinging it around at @te_university: 🎥 te_university on IG #TakeFlight #TEU #uniTE pic.twitter.com/r9EtQjsaKh
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) June 23, 2022
Wilson won’t be the only Jets player at the camp. Tight ends C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Conklin are attending as well.
#Jets TE Tyler Conklin (@T_Conk1) has officially arrived to @te_university to get some extra work in ahead of #JetsCamp: 📸 t_flight1 on IG #TakeFlight #TEU #uniTE pic.twitter.com/1D2QvPnZ0B
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) June 23, 2022
Here are some fresh pictures of #Jets TE CJ Uzomah (@cj_uzomah) getting some work in at @te_university: 📸 te_university #TakeFlight #TEU #uniTE pic.twitter.com/beqRD09ifu
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) June 24, 2022
Conklin is coming off a breakout campaign with the Minnesota Vikings. In his fourth year, Conklin racked up 593 yards and 61 receptions. These totals ranked 14th-best and 9th-best among tight ends, respectively.
Conklin’s reliable hands and serviceable top speed provide a skill-set the Jets haven’t seen at the tight end position in years. Conklin also brings excellent pass blocking as shown in this film clip against Nick Bosa.
Tyler Conklin 1v1 vs. Nick Bosa 😱 #Jets pic.twitter.com/CWttISeMnE
— Michael Nania (@Michael_Nania) March 17, 2022
On the other hand, Uzomah is at his best after the catch.
C.J. Uzomah took his YAC game to a new level in 2021
– 10 missed tackles forced (T-8th among TE)
– 6.1 YAC per reception (10th / 35 TEs)
– 298 total YAC (11th)He was one of 5 TEs with 6.0+ YAC/rec and 10+ missed tackles forced, joining:
Kittle
Kelce
Gronk
Goedert#Jets— Michael Nania (@Michael_Nania) March 14, 2022
Despite being inches away from a Lombardi Trophy, Uzomah opted to sign with the Jets this offseason. It speaks volumes about the culture the Jets are building that the 29-year-old tight end chose to leave the Cincinnati Bengals.
General manager Joe Douglas didn’t stop upgrading the tight end position with his signings of Conklin and Uzomah. In the 2021 NFL draft, the Jets selected Ohio State tight end Jeremy Ruckert.
The 21-year-old rookie is a lifelong Jets fan and was a fan favorite leading up to the draft. While he was underutilized in Ohio State, he delivered when called upon.
Jeremy Ruckert never had a real shot to put up big volume numbers in an OSU offense with so many NFL WRs but he delivered when targeted
Career:
– 132.7 passer rating when targeted
– 3.6% drop rate (just 2 drops)
– 54.5% contested-catch rate
– 12 TD on only 73 targets#Jets— Michael Nania (@Michael_Nania) April 30, 2022
Overall, the Jets’ tight end room is by far the best it’s been in over a decade. They now have three quality pieces at the position. With these new additions, offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur will finally be able to fully implement the Shanahan system and give the Jets a dominant run game.
Given their contract structures, this will likely be the Jets’ primary trio at tight end for the next several years. Considering the level of tight end play he dealt with last year, Wilson is likely thankful that’s the case.
