OverviewThe tight ends are expected to be counted on more as pass catchers in new offensive coordinator John Morton's system. Austin Seferian-Jenkins, who had a productive spring and can participate in all of the team's preseason practices in addition to the four exhibition games, will serve a two-game suspension at the start of the regular season. In addition to Seferian-Jenkins, the Jets have a young group of tight ends and it'll be interesting to see who steps up in camp.
In the SpotlightDown 30 pounds this offseason, Seferian-Jenkins looked quicker than he did after joining the Jets last September. The fourth-year veteran, who had 10 receptions in Chan Gailey's system, primarily ran with the first team throughout OTAs and minicamp as he showed good hands and separation. The Washington product has the most NFL experience of the unit and he could become a top target for the Green & White signal callers.
Get to Know the TEs Heading into Camp
Selected by the Jets in the fifth round of the 2017 Draft (Clemson).
Signed by the Jets on April 6.
Signed by the Jets on Nov. 6, 2016, made his first career start against Los Angeles on Nov. 13.
Signed by the Jets as an undrafted free agent on May 5, 2016 after a career as a QB at Ferris State.
Claimed off waivers by the Jets on Sept. 26, 2016.
Position BattlesThe Jets head to camp with five tight ends and there will be opportunity across the board. Eric Tomlinson, who signed with the Jets last November and is known for his blocking prowess, had a nice minicamp and showed his pass-catching abilities. Last season, the Texas El-Paso product primarily served as an inline blocker in five starts. The Green & White also drafted Jordan Leggett, a pass-catching tight end from Clemson in the fifth-round.
Young Buck
Leggett was a very productive player for the Tigers. As a starter his junior and senior seasons, the 6'5", 258-pounder hauled in 86 catches for 1,261 yards and 15 touchdowns. Most pundits were surprised he was still there on Day 3 of the Draft and the value pick will look for some playing time on offense as a rookie.
The Transition
Jason Vander Laan is entering his second training camp with the Jets. Vander Laan originally signed with the team as an undrafted free agent last season as a QB turned TE. The Ferris State product holds the career rushing record for a quarterback with 5,953. However, his rock-throwing days are behind him and he'll battle with the rest of a unit that includes former Chief Brian Parker.
