Aaron Rodgers is building a nice rhythm with 2023 seventh-rounder tight end Zack Kuntz. The Jets have four tight ends under contract, including Kuntz himself. New York elected not to draft a tight end in the 2024 NFL Draft. The team is content with keeping the four current TEs for Aaron Rodgers.
Tyler Conklin has 1,173 receiving yards in the past two seasons as the Jets’ No. 1 tight end option. Jeremy Ruckert looks ready to be TE no. 2. Kenny Yeboah resigned with New York as a restricted free agent.
Who is Rodgers Building Chemistry With?
Rodgers appeared on The Pat McAfee Show on April 25. During the interview, he mentioned that he had established good chemistry with Kuntz. “Big Zack, last year, who we drafted late, and he and I had a lot of success late in the season practicing together on the scout team,” Rodgers said. At the 2023 NFL Combine, Kuntz measured in 6-foot-7, weighing 255 pounds.
New York was a betting favor to select Georgia Tight End Brock Bowers, who was drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders. The Jets were on the clock with the No. 11 pick and selected Olu Fashanu, an offensive tackle out of Penn State. New York did not select any tight ends in this year’s draft, including Bowers.
That means that Rodgers will have to target the current tight ends on the Gang Green roster. With no new names on the team, there will be many opportunities. Conklin is the veteran and a starter out of the tight ends group. The No.2 spot for Rodgers is up for grabs between Kuntz, Yeboah, and Ruckert.
Aaron Rodgers and Kuntz Can Build a 1-2 Punch
New York selected Kuntz in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he signed to the practice squad after clearing waivers. In 2023, Kuntz only appeared in 1 game, appearing less than 5% of the snaps on offense. He didn’t get much opportunity to showcase his skills until Rodgers returned in late December.
Known for his size and athleticism, Kuntz has all the skills to be a key offensive option for Rodgers. With the four-time MVP expected to be healthy for 2024, the Jets will fight for as much offensive help as possible. Also, Kuntz can fly by defenders when running seams, corners, and crossers, which can make things easier for Rodgers.
Kuntz couldn’t use his size and strength off-ball at training camp last season. Because of his little aggressiveness, he was kept on the scout team for most of the season. However, with Rodgers returning to the lineup, Kuntz can find a lot of success on the field. In the regular finale against the New England Patriots, Kuntz played 6 snaps in total.
Rodgers’s return to the lineup can help Kuntz unlock his promising potential; his size and athleticism will be valuable tools for No. 12. Following his coming out party at last year’s combine, NFL NextGenStats ranked Kuntz as the top tight end in athleticism with a score of 94.
Final Thoughts
With Rodgers building chemistry with Kuntz on offense, the physical tight end has a chance to be a valuable player for the Gang Green Franchise. The opportunity for Zack Kuntz to make an impact on the team could not have been better.
Main Photo: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY NETWORK
