Joe Douglas is currently in the process of learning the Jets’ roster.
The team’s new general manager started learning about his players by combing through game film from last season. Now, he’s on to tape from spring practices for an updated look at the group in front of him.
But we figured we could lend Douglas a hand by taking a look, position by position, at the Jets’ roster and assessing what the new GM has to work with at each spot.
With that in mind, here’s a breakdown of the Jets’ situation at tight end:
Depth chart
Starter: Chris Herndon
Backups: Trevon Wesco, Daniel Brown
Fringe players: Eric Tomlinson
Injury concerns?
None to speak of, really. Herndon was banged up entering 2018, but was fine coming out of the year. Tomlinson missed the end of last season after dropping a weight on his toe, but that was a relatively minor injury and he was fine by the time spring practices began.
Stock report
With all of the moves the Jets have made this offseason, which players are in better shape now than they were at the end of 2018? Who has fallen out of favor?
Up
Chris Herndon: Head coach Adam Gase clearly loves Herndon, calling him a “unicorn” because of his rare combination of talents. Playing for a coach who is that excited about his skillset should help bring the best out of Herndon.
Daniel Brown: Brown was impressively good catching the ball during spring practice. Right now, he looks to be the No. 2 guy on the Jets’ depth chart. Plus, he has the ability to chip in on special teams. He hasn’t guaranteed himself a job quite yet, but he’s certainly on his way to a roster spot.
Down
Eric Tomlinson: The Jets drafted Wesco – who was a blocking specialist in college – in the fourth-round. That could make Tomlinson, who has filled that niche role in the past, expendable – especially because the Jets’ staff believes Wesco has the ability to make an impact catching passes, too.
Pending free agents
Eric Tomlinson: Tomlinson re-signed and is playing the 2019 season on a one-year deal and will be a UFA again next March.
Daniel Brown: Brown left the Bears and signed a one-year deal with the Jets earlier this spring.
Position analysis
Strengths: Herndon is the undisputed bright spot in this group. He was absolutely terrific over the back half of last season and turned into one of Sam Darnold’s favorite targets. Having that Swiss army knife presence who can also operate as a safety blanket for the quarterback is a terrific weapon.
Weaknesses: Yes, Herndon was great at the end of last year, but can he sustain and build on it? And it’s not like he was the second coming of Rob Gronkowski. One solid tight end can only carry the group so far. Beyond that, there are question marks about how much Wesco and Tomlinson can provide in the passing game. Brown looked good in that regard during the spring, but that only counts for some much – especially when he’s never been a real factor in the offense during his career. There’s very little depth here. At some point, the Jets could really stand to add another well-rounded, impact tight end – unless they’re right and Wesco does indeed develop into that guy.
Grade: C-
Matt Stypulkoski may be reached at mstypulkoski@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @M_Stypulkoski. Find NJ.com Jets on Facebook.