With the addition of new head coach Aaron Glenn, some major changes are coming. After the Jets officially decided to move on from Aaron Rodgers, fans are eager to see what awaits on offense. Under new offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand, the fanbase is optimistic he can bring the same efficiency he helped future Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson create in Detroit. To help, New York should consider this Penn State phenom in the NFL Draft this April. If drafted, the Jets could have their long-term answer at a position of need: tight end. This prospect could set the Jets draft up for success if selected.
Will the Jets Draft Penn State Phenom?
In his introductory press conference, head coach Aaron Glenn capitalized explaining how he wants to help New York. In need of a culture change, Glenn is looking to bring the same temperament and attention to detail he learned from his former head coaches. Between his tenure as a player for Bill Parcells and his time as an assistant under Sean Payton and Dan Campbell, Glenn has learned a lot over the years. With such lofty goals in mind, he’ll need to help on both sides of the ball.
While fans trust Glenn and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks to improve the defense, questions remain about his vision for the offense. Under first-time play-caller Tanner Engstrand, fans wonder how it will look. Who will be the team’s next starting quarterback? With Aaron Rodgers gone, will Davante Adams and Allen Lazard follow suit? How can he help with the running game? While not the most important question, another remains. What will the Jets do at tight end?
Tyler Conklin’s free agency
Among the Jets free agents this offseason, included is starting tight end Tyler Conklin. Beginning his career with the Minnesota Vikings, Conklin signed in New York in 2022. Originally meant to be the backup to CJ Uzomah, Conklin eventually won the starting job. Although a valuable safety net for Zach Wilson, Conklin failed to be utilized much by Aaron Rodgers in 2024. Between 2022 and 2023, Conklin finished each season being targeted 87 times with at least 58 catches. However, in 2024 Conklin was only targeted 72 times. Despite having a career-high four touchdowns, Conklin is likely testing free agency this offseason. While losing a veteran like Conklin would be unfortunate, it creates an opportunity to get more explosive in the Jets draft.
Could Penn State Star Tyler Warren be the Jets future tight end?
With the seventh overall pick in the draft, the Jets will be able to add a major piece to their rebuild. Among the prospects linked include Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham, Arizona wide receiver Tet McMillan, and Michigan cornerback Will Johnson. However, one prospect who will be available is Penn State tight end Tyler Warren. In 2024, the redshirt senior demonstrated his tremendous athleticism as a focal point of the Nittany Lions offense. While capturing the John Mackey award for the best tight end in the NCAA, Warren was electric. The first team All American finished the season with 104 catches through 16 games for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns. In addition, Warren was used in the run game as a fullback with 218 rushing yards and four touchdown runs. Renown ESPN insider Mina Kimes has the Jets bookmarked as a good fit for the Penn State prospect.
.@minakimes thinks Tyler Warren from Penn State is an ideal fit for the Jets and new HC Aaron Glenn ✍️ pic.twitter.com/1CdDNDC7nD
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) February 14, 2025
New York’s offensive coaching staff perfect for Tyler Warren
Whatever team drafts the 6’6, 257lbs Warren is getting a breakout receiver at the position. With his size and speed, Warren can impact any offense with the ball in his hands. Which is why he should be targeted well within the top ten picks. Should he come to New York, he could immediately benefit with the Jets offense.
While Ben Johnson has earned his praise with the Lions offense, Tanner Engstrand has also had an influence. As a member of the Lions since 2020, Engstrand has worked with two premier tight ends in Detroit. While serving as tight ends coach, Engstrand played an integral role in the development of TJ Hockenson. Even as a member of the Minnesota Vikings, Hockenson’s two Pro Bowl seasons came while working with Engstrand. Afterward, Engstrand also helped with the development of Sam LaPorta from 2023 to now. With Engstrand, the Lions helped Sam LaPorta set the rookie receptions record for tight ends in 2023.
Sure, nobody knows how Tanner Engstrand will pan out as the #Jets OC. But he has the reputation and resume to be optimistic, even without the experience.
– Learned from Ben Johnson the last few years in one of the NFL’s best and most innovative offenses.
– Also learned from…— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) January 31, 2025
His recent success with tight ends would make Tyler Warren a great project for Tanner Engstrand in the draft. Along with Engstrand, new offensive line coach Steve Heiden was LaPorta’s tight ends coach on the Lions. Previously, LaPorta credited Heiden’s impact on improving his blocking. By learning from the duo of Engstrand & Heiden, Tyler Warren would have a depth of knowledge to learn from. Not to mention, Warren would also reunite with former Penn State teammate & current Jets left tackle Olu Fashanu. By drafting Tyler Warren, the Jets would have a big playmaker in a position of need and help no matter who starts at quarterback.
Main Photo: [Joe Rondone/The Republic] – USA Today Sports
