A lack of tight end production and use has plagued the New York Jets of late, but they could change that in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Production from the tight end position has been a virtual wasteland the last two seasons for the New York Jets. Consider this: over the last two NFL campaigns, New York has just 26 receptions from its tight ends. That's embarrassing.
To put that into prospective, Jordan Reed of the Washington Redskins had 66 catches in just 12 games in 2016. Needless to say, this is an issue Gang Green needs to address in the early stages of the 2017 NFL Draft next month. It's time to select their tight end of the future.
The Jets own the sixth overall selection in the first round. By all accounts, there are no tight ends that merit a pick that high in the opening round. Earlier this month, I stated that the Jets need to pick Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson in the first round if he is available.
In a recent mock draft, Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com had O.J. Howard of the Alabama Crimson Tide going to the Cleveland Browns with the 12th pick in the first round and David Njoku of the Miami Hurricanes heading to the Miami Dolphins with pick No. 22. Those two tight ends will almost certainly be off the board when the Jets are ready to make their second-round selection (39th overall).
However, Gang Green might be able to grab a dynamic tight end in the second round. Let's take a look at two players they should strongly consider in Round Two.
Oct 1, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; San Diego State Aztecs linebacker Ronley Lakalaka (39) tacklers South Alabama Jaguars tight end Gerald Everett (12) in the first quarter at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit:
Gerald Everett, South Alabama
Height: 6-3
Weight: 239 pounds
Gerald Everett enjoyed a fine senior season for the South Alabama Jaguars in 2016 with 49 catches for 717 yards and four touchdowns. That was good enough to earn All-Sun Belt Conference honors. The Atlanta, GA native came up big in South Alabama's 21-20 upset road victory over Mississippi State last September with eight receptions for 95 yards. He also scored the game-winning touchdown with under one minute to play.
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His junior campaign was pretty impressive as well. Everett was named to the All-Sun Belt Conference contingent after grabbing 41 receptions for 575 yards and eight touchdowns.
While Everett does not have prototypical size for a tight end, he is known as a player that can make the acrobatic catch in traffic and convert a short yardage play into a longer gain with his speed and acceleration. He is a solid blocker for his size and adding a little more weight on his frame would enhance those skills even further.
Here is what one NFL scout thinks about Everett's potential, via his NFL.com Draft Profile:
He's got all the tools. He could end up being one of the top pass catching tight ends in the league. There is question about whether he can handle a full playbook, but I think that is overblown. Cut him loose and let him make a bunch of plays.
That's exactly the type of dynamic offensive player the Jets need as they continue to reshape their roster.
Evan Engram, Ole Miss
Height: 6-3
Weight: 234 pounds
The team captain for two seasons, Evan Engram was outstanding for the Ole Miss Rebels in 2016, earning first-team All-SEC honors with a team-high 65 receptions for 926 yards and eight touchdowns. The Powder Springs, GA native made an immediate impact at Ole Miss with three touchdown receptions as a freshman, despite missing several weeks with an ankle injury.
Engram led all NCAA tight ends as a sophomore with a stellar 17.4 yards per reception average and was named first-team All-SEC. He had a slightly disappointing junior season but came on like gangbusters last year and was named first-team Associated Press All-American tight end.
Engram is known as a fine route runner and is very explosive off the line of scrimmage. He is being compared already to Jordan Reed of the Washington Redskins and NFL.com gave this effusive praise of Engram when describing some of his strengths, via his Draft Profile:
Plus athletic ability with easy-opening hips. Nimble feet with quick, controlled strides into and out of his breaks. Accelerates out of his breaks to uncover from defenders for quarterback. Will have to be guarded by defensive backs. Opens quickly to find the ball. Successful working all three levels at Ole Miss. Has true vertical speed to attack the seams. Competitive, athletic runner after the catch. Springy leaper.
Next: 2017 New York Jets 7-Round Mock Draft
The Jets could certainly use a tight end with Engram's game-breaking ability. He needs to work on his blocking and get a little stronger but his kind of athleticism is not found that often at the tight end position.
