Looking at each position on the New York Jets, there are very few weaknesses. But that’s clearly not the case at the tight end position. It was weakest for the Jets last year, especially in regards to receiving. This year things could get even worse.
The New York Jets Weakest Position: Tight End
How Bad Was it Last Year?
The Jets had a bad offensive situation at tight end last year. Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey didn’t use tight ends Jeff Cumberland and Kellen Davis in many passing plays. Among tight ends in 2015, Cumberland had the 82nd most receptions in the NFL with five and Davis had the 89th most receptions with three. The two combined for 95 yards and one touchdown. To put that in perspective, New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski led all NFL tight ends with 1,176 yards. That is slightly more than 12 times the receiving yards of the Jets duo. Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert led all NFL tight ends with 13 touchdowns which is 12 more than both Cumberland and Davis combined.
Both Jets tight ends were used as blockers for most plays which is another important job for tight ends. They were both decent in blocking situtions, but their lack of receiving offsets most positives from that element of their game.
Can it Get Worse?
The Jets tight end situation is depleted even more than last year. Cumberland is no longer on the Jets. The Jets did have an opportunity to get better as Zach Sudfeld and 2014 second-round pick Jace Amaro were both coming back after missing 2015. They also had Wes Saxton who was a promising undrafted free agent signed to the practice squad last year.
None of these players eclipsed 100 yards this preseason, but they did have the top three total number of yards for tight ends on the Jets preseason roster. However, general manager Mike Maccagnan did not see any of these three players in his future plans and waived/released them all. The most surprising was Amaro who was waived and picked up by the first team that could claim him which was the Tennessee Titans.
The only two tight ends on the Jets preseason roster to earn a roster spot were Davis and Brian Bostick. Bostick hasn’t played in the NFL since 2014 when he had two receptions for three yards and one touchdown. His best year was 2013 when he had seven receptions for 120 yards and one touchdown. Bostick doesn’t appear to have much of a positive offensive upside either.
The Jets also claimed two tight ends after the 53-man rosters were set. These players were Brian Parker and Braedon Bowman. Parker didn’t last too long on the roster as he failed the physical and was waived. Bowman played at South Alabama in 2014 and 2015. In 17 games he had 28 receptions for 381 yards and no touchdowns.
Does This Matter?
Every team has its weak points and for the Jets it’s their tight ends. This shouldn’t make or break the team in the long run. Their wide receivers are very talented and they will be relied on for passing plays. It still doesn’t help since it’s as if Ryan Fitzpatrick has one less target to throw to when tight ends are on the field.
Things could change quickly if Maccagnan could pull off a trade before the November 1st trading deadline or if one of these players has a breakout year. If not, the Jets will have to move forward with a tight end situation that lacks true talent.
