The Jets added two nice pieces in wide receiver Elijah Moore and running back Michael Carter in the 2021 draft, but they still need at least two more playmakers. Wide receiver Denzel Mims' struggles, combined with the perennial search for a pass-catching tight end and a potential free-agent exodus at receiver, means the Jets are in the market for a tight end and a receiver to complement Moore, Corey Davis and pending free agent Braxton Berrios (if he re-signs).
Let's focus on tight end, an annual problem. The Jets finished with only 50 receptions (31st) at the position, bringing their 10-year total to 489 (32nd). Get the picture? Mike LaFleur's offense is incomplete without a middle-of-the-field threat, a security blanket for Wilson. They went cheap last offseason, signing the oft-injured Tyler Kroft. True to form, he missed eight games and made no impact. Ryan Griffin was adequate (27 catches for 261 yards and two TDs), but they can do better than adequate this time around.
While there are no blue chip tight ends in the draft, Trey McBride (Colorado State) was a prolific college receiver who could be available at the top of the second round with the 35th or 38th pick. The Jets will get an up-close look at McBride because they will coach him in the Senior Bowl. There are a handful of options in free agency; scheme fit will be important. Dalton Schultz (Dallas Cowboys) was second in receptions among in-line tight ends (49), while Mike Gesicki (Miami Dolphins) was third in receptions from the slot (48).
New York Jets - ESPN
Let's focus on tight end, an annual problem. The Jets finished with only 50 receptions (31st) at the position, bringing their 10-year total to 489 (32nd). Get the picture? Mike LaFleur's offense is incomplete without a middle-of-the-field threat, a security blanket for Wilson. They went cheap last offseason, signing the oft-injured Tyler Kroft. True to form, he missed eight games and made no impact. Ryan Griffin was adequate (27 catches for 261 yards and two TDs), but they can do better than adequate this time around.
While there are no blue chip tight ends in the draft, Trey McBride (Colorado State) was a prolific college receiver who could be available at the top of the second round with the 35th or 38th pick. The Jets will get an up-close look at McBride because they will coach him in the Senior Bowl. There are a handful of options in free agency; scheme fit will be important. Dalton Schultz (Dallas Cowboys) was second in receptions among in-line tight ends (49), while Mike Gesicki (Miami Dolphins) was third in receptions from the slot (48).
New York Jets - ESPN