The New York Jets made two trades in the 4th round before making their selection. Eventually, they selected Tight End Trevon Wesco from West Virginia with the 121st pick overall. This pick might have received little fanfare if it weren’t for the reaction of analyst Brian Baldinger:
.@nyjets @TrevonWesco congratulations on picking this #Mountaineer. This is BabyGronk. The Adam Gase Playbook just expanded 25%. #BaldysBreakdowns
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) April 27, 2019
While there is no player that compares to Gronkowski, Wesco is a mountain of a man. He stands at 6’3″ and roughly 270 pounds. Wesco is able to use this frame to be an ideal 3 position player and has played in the Y, F, and H positions. Mel Kiper praised Wesco as the best blocking Tight End in the draft.
How Wesco Matches Up
Although Chris Herndon was a pleasant surprise last year, Tight End is still considered a position of need for the Jets. The best blocking Tight End is Eric Tomlinson who is a morale booster but more known for missed assignments and drive killing penalties. Wesco will also have to beat out Jordan Leggett, whose talent and potential has yet to be realized.
Wesco did not start until this past season, but he made the most of it. He became a reliable target for Will Grier, hauling in 26 passes for 366 yards in 10 games. Those numbers are good for a gaudy 14 yards-per-catch. However, Wesco was not targeted much in the red zone and only had 1 touchdown reception. Let’s keep in mind that the Mountaineers also had David Sills and Grier had a penchant for running the ball.
Back-to-back Mountaineers taken in the 4th-round of the #NFLDraft.
Enjoy some Trevon Wesco highlights as the TE is heading to NYC to join the @nyjets. #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/i6yHFIql85
— Stadium (@Stadium) April 27, 2019
Herndon, by comparison, had 40 receptions for 477 yards and 4 touchdowns during his last year as a Hurricane. Herndon also benefited by appearing in most of Miami’s games in his previous two seasons as well. That experience led to a breakout rookie campaign, catching 39 passes from Darnold for 502 yards and 4 touchdowns. Herndon is unquestionably the Jets’ starter.
How Wesco Fits In the New York Jets Scheme
Comparing Trevon Wesco to Rob Gronkowski is simply unfair. Gronkowski had two very productive seasons at the University of Arizona. He compiled 75 receptions for almost 1200 yards and 16 touchdowns. As a pro, what Gronkowski has taught us is that a Tight End can be an effective blocker as well as an elite receiver.
Brian Baldinger may have meant that having an extra blocker who can catch is what will open up the playbook 25%. He certainly did not mean that we can devise a game plan around an unproven rookie who only has one full year in an FBS program. In any case, the Jets have needed help at Tight End for years, and Wesco certainly can’t hurt.