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New York Jets: Rookie Chris Herndon has a Chance to Contribute

By Jon Dove

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 28: Chris Herndon IV #23 of the Miami Hurricanes gets tackled after a reception against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the second half of the Russell Athletic Bowl at Camping World Stadium on December 28, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. Miami defeated West Virginia 31-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 28: Chris Herndon IV #23 of the Miami Hurricanes gets tackled after a reception against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the second half of the Russell Athletic Bowl at Camping World Stadium on December 28, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. Miami defeated West Virginia 31-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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The New York Jets are looking at a complete rebuild at the tight end position which means rookie Chris Herndon could get a shot to make an immediate impact.

If you take a quick glance at the New York Jets offensive weapons you will have a hard time finding a ton of proven talent. This is especially true when it comes to the tight end position. Right now, Jordan Leggett and Clive Walford have the most experience.

Walford has come from the Oakland Raiders where he failed to carve out a role. Leggett didn’t see a single snap during his rookie year due to a knee injury.

This lack of depth and experience at the tight end spot means that rookie Chris Herndon will get a shot to earn playing time. Herndon himself is working his way back from an MCL injury that cost him a lot of his final year at Miami.

However, he comes with an impressive frame and athleticism. His combination of size, quickness and length make him a sound target in the middle of the field.

Herndon has even flashed the ability to be a major factor in the red zone. The Jets tight end coach Jimmie Johnson has already spoken to the fact that Herndon does a good job as a run blocker. This is an important piece to the puzzle and could help earn Herndon reps.

The tight end position could also benefit from the lack of stability at the wide receiver position. Robby Anderson is expected to be the team’s No. 1 target, but is coming off an offseason with off-field issues.

Jermaine Kearse is a solid target who can provide some big-play ability, but he’s best served as a No. 3 or No. 4 target.

Basically, if Herndon has a strong training camp he could be in line for a lot of playing time and a sizable chunk of targets.

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