NFL.com selected the New York Jets’ most underappreciated player
In an article published on Thursday afternoon, NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice chose every team’s most underappreciated player. His choice for the New York Jets: tight end Tyler Conklin.
Explaining the selection, Felice writes, “Heading into the final season of a three-year, $20.25 million deal, Conklin has provided solid ROI to Joe Douglas, especially considering the motley crew of quarterbacks who’ve thrown him the football. With Aaron Rodgers under center in 2024, Conklin’s set up for success in a contract year.
“And if the guy needed any extra motivation, remember when we spent months talking about tight end Brock Bowers as a no-brainer first-round pick for the Jets? Douglas instead opted for OT Olu Fashanu. Now it’s on Conklin to help prove his general manager right.”
Conklin has been a steadying force for a tumultuous Jets offense. The tight end has posted two straight seasons with over 55 receptions and 550 receiving yards, including career highs of 61 receptions and 622 yards in 2023. He can also hold his own as a blocker.
On an offense with much better talent, Conklin is positioned to make a more noticeable impact and lose the “underappreciated” tag. He will have more room to operate and a much better quarterback situation to get him the football, whether it is Aaron Rodgers or Tyrod Taylor under center.
In particular, Conklin will be looking to add more touchdowns to his total after failing to find the end zone in 2023. If he can add some scores on top of his yards and receptions, Conklin surely won’t be underappreciated for long.
The Jets are positioned to have a great season on offense if they stay healthy and perform to their talent level. Conklin may be overshadowed by bigger names on a talented offense, but his steady presence makes him an underrated part of the unit.