The New York Jets have one playmaker ready to make a comeback:
During his rookie season 2018, New York Jets tight end Chris Herndon was one of the most polarizing players at the position. As a fourth-round pick, he earned 39 receptions with four touchdowns. He tallied 502 receiving yards, trailing behind only Mark Andrews of the Baltimore Ravens, who was having a career season. Herndon has the pass-catching potential to be an elite option of the NFL level, but injuries and suspensions have hurt his young career.
In 2019, he played in just one game, logging one reception for 7 yards. Going into his third season in the NFL, the Jets have high expectations for the 24-year-old tight end. They also have Ryan Griffin, who excelled at the position in his absence. Griffin posted 320 yards and five touchdowns, compiling an 82.9% catch rate, which is unbelievably high for any position player.
Playing a lot of 12 personnel could be in the future for the Jets quarterback Sam Darnold, who will now have two more than capable tight ends.
Conor Hughes of The Athletic stated that the Jets can’t wait to unleash Herndon in 2020.
“The team had sky-high expectations for their tight end entering last season, but a league-imposed suspension and injuries limited him to just one healthy quarter.”
Ultimately, he can feature as one of their primary playmakers from a blocking standpoint in the run game to receiving option in the passing game. His versatility makes him extremely exceptional in all facets, but remaining healthy has been a challenge for him up to this point. He finished 2019 on injured reserve with a rib injury.
Nonetheless, the Jets should have a rebuilt offense with a brand new offensive line and protection scheme. The hope is that the line can hold up in pass protection, giving Herndon and Griffen the freedom to run routes frequently and not block to compensate for weak tackle-play. Drafting Mekhi Becton should help Darnold’s blind-side significantly.