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JETS COUNTRY DRAFT SERIES: Gang Green Has a Keeper in Conklin, But Could Add Firepower from Deep Tight Ends Class

Originally posted on FanNation Jets Country
By Ralph Ventre | Last updated 4/11/23

Tyler Conklin did more than enough to warrant TE1 status during his first season as a New York Jet.

The 6-foot-3 tight end, who signed a three-year contract reportedly worth $20.75 million, ranked second on the team behind rookie wide receiver Garrett Wilson in receptions (58) and receiving yards (552) in 2022.

Conklin made three touchdown catches and recorded 25 first downs while being targeted by Gang Green signal callers.

Those numbers were a welcome sight for the Jets, whose pass offense glaringly lacked productive tight ends’ play in the two seasons directly preceding Conklin's arrival.

For example, Ryan Griffin, Tyler Kroft and Trevor Wesco combined for only 46 catches and 469 receiving yards in 2021.

The Jets also have former Bengals’ tight end CJ Uzomah on the second year of a three-year contract. In his first season with Gang Green, the 6-foot-5 Uzomah made 21 receptions for 232 yards. He found the end zone in only one of 15 games.

That 2022 numbers represented less than half of the pass-game production that Uzomah accounted for during his final season in Cincinnati. In 2021, the former Auburn tight end, who was used primarily in a blocking role during his college career, set career highs in receptions (49), receiving yards (493) and touchdowns (5).

Even with the two handsomely-paid veterans aboard, the Jets may opt to enhance their tight ends room by drafting an inexpensive producer with one of their six selections.

The 2023 tight ends class is widely considered to be the most potent in recent years. In addition to the elite first-round options, who are expected to be instant NFL starters, there are a number of worthy prospects who will likely last into the late rounds.

NFL Draft Bible founder Ric Serritella suggested that teams will have the chance to find future starters on Day 3.

Here are five potential draft gems for the Jets to consider at the tight end position.

Luke Musgrave, Oregon State

Ht: 6057 | Wt: 253, | Hand: 1038 | Arm: 3258 | Wing: 7948 | 40: 4.61

Musgrave made 34 appearances over four seasons at Oregon State, but his 2022 campaign was limited to only two games due to a knee injury. The tall target totaled 11 receptions for 169 yards and one score during the two-game sample comprised of wins over Boise State and Fresno State.

The every-down tight end showed no sign of injury while performing at the NFL Combine. Musgrave clocked the fourth-fastest 40-yard dash (4.61) amongst all tight end participants. He accounted for the third-best broad jump (10’ 5”) and fourth-ranked vertical jump (36”).

The 6-foot-6 tight end has shown the ability to block effectively in multiple situations and proved to be a legitimate receiving threat as well. Musgrave, who boasts a huge catch radius, averaged more than 2.0 receptions per game over the past three seasons while playing well through contact. His uncle is former NFL quarterback, and current Cleveland Browns’ senior offensive assistant, Bill Musgrave.

Darnell Washington, Georgia

Ht: 6070 | Wt: 264 | Hand: 1100 | Arm: 3438 | Wing: 8368 | 40: 4.64

Washington logged at least six starts in each of Georgia's last three seasons and the tall tight end played a key role on offense during the Bulldogs' 15-0 undefeated 2022 campaign. Appearing in every victory (14 starts), he averaged 16.2 yards per catch for the back-to-back National Champions. The 6-foot-7 target totaled 28 catches for 454 yards and two touchdowns.

The massive tight end, who measured with 11-inch hands and 83.5-inch wingspan, performed in plenty of "big-game" scenarios as a Bulldog. Washington made season-high three receptions as a freshman (2020) in a Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl win over Cincinnati.

The athletic Washington moves incredibly well for his size. His enormous frame and above-average strength translate well to run blocking. The 6-foot-7 tight end, who put up 21 reps on the 225-pound bench press, is fast enough to get out as a lead blocker on running plays.

Washington clocked the fastest 20-yard shuttle (4.08) of all tight end prospects at the NFL Combine. The 264-pounder registered a 4.64 in the 40-yard dash, ranking sixth out of 13 tight ends who recorded a time in Indianapolis. Meanwhile, his 1.57-second 10-yard split tied for second-fastest amongst the position group.

Tucker Kraft, South Dakota State

Ht: 6046 | Wt: 254 | Hand: 1000 | Arm: 3268 | 40: 4.68

Kraft has naturally drawn comparisons to Philadelphia Eagles’ starting tight end Dallas Goedert. Like Goedert, Kraft attended high school in South Dakota before developing into an All-American tight end at South Dakota State.

With his size and speed posing a mis-match for FCS defenses, Kraft experienced great success as a pass-catcher. He caught 65 balls for 780 yards and six touchdowns during a breakout 2021 campaign, recording at least two receptions in all of South Dakota State’s 15 games.

After earning multiple All-America honors in 2021, Kraft endured an injury-interrupted 2022 season. The physical tight end missed six regular season games, but proved healthy during the Jackrabbits’ triumphant run through the FCS Playoffs. Kraft made four grabs for 69 yards and one touchdown in a semifinal win over Montana State.

Kraft’s 34-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-2 broad jump ranked near the median in the tight ends’ group. Meanwhile, he tied for first place in the 225-poind bench press, notching 23 reps.

Brady Russell, Colorado

Ht: 6032 | Wt: 247 | Hand: 0918 | Arm: 3212 | Wing: 7838 | 40: 4.69

The 6-foot-3 Russell noticeably developed over his long collegiate career, which consisted of 49 appearances for the Colorado Buffaloes. He completed three seasons with at least 20 catches.

The former walk-on returned for a sixth year in 2022, serving as a team captain and winning the Buffalo Heart Award. Russell, a scrappy blocker and crisp route runner, boosted his draft stock while participating NFLPA Bowl Week this past January.

The slightly-undersized tight end recorded solid numbers at the Colorado Pro Day. Russell, who completed 21 reps on the 225-pound bench press, registered a 4.69-second 40-yard dash and 34.5-inch vertical jump.

EJ Jenkins, Georgia Tech

Ht: 6060 | Wt: 245 | Hand: 0958 |Arm: 3418 |Wing: 8178 | 40: 4.62

Riding the momentum from a good Pro Day performance, Jenkins is headed toward a NFL contract. He boasts an elite 82-inch wing span to go along with solid marks in the vertical jump (32”) and broad jump (10’ 2”).

The 6-foot-6 pass-catcher made 13 touchdown receptions (12 games) in 2019 with FCS member Saint Francis. Jenkins transferred to South Carolina during the COVID season before landing at Georgia Tech for the 2022 season.

When going against FCS competition the lengthy receiver frequently lined up on the outside and showed the ability to take the top off the defense. Jenkins, who bulked up and moved to the tight end position after transferring up to the Power 5 level, recorded a 4.62-second 40-yard dash.

The native Virginian always made good use of his height and strong hands to make contested catches. Jenkins, who totaled 17 receptions for 316 yards last fall, scored a touchdown in a 26-21 win over nationally-ranked Pitt (Oct. 1).

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