Jets HC Robert Saleh raves about the role of offensive weapons in 2024

The New York Jets offense will decide how far this team can go this season. They have a top-tier defense that has ranked among the best in football over the past few seasons and now it's time for the offense to uphold its end of the bargain.

This team desperately needs production from its talented players and quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Stars Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson were the workhorses in 2023, but the Jets' rotating quarterback room didn't have much to work with outside of those two players.

Receiver Allen Lazard was also a major disappointment after signing a four-year, $44 million contract before last season and was even inactive for a few games in 2023 due to his play. Rookie Xavier Gipson was the culminating in the Week 1 win over the Buffalo Bills in 2023 and has just 229 receiving yards all season.

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Offseason additions at the wide receiver position, such as Mike Williams in free agency and Malachi Corley in the 2024 NFL Draft, should be a major upgrade over Gipson and Lazard. That being said, tight end Tyler Conklin is an under-the-radar talent that Jets executives have praised heading into the 2024 season.

Jets HC Robert Saleh raves about the role of offensive weapons in 2024

So far, Conklin has been turning heads during the Jets' offseason programs. Head coach Robert Saleh praised the five-year veteran in a press conference following yesterday's voluntary OTAs.

“He’s one of the most competitive wrestlers in football,” Saleh said Wednesday. “He's incredible on throws in the tight window and he's a very reliable receiver for the quarterback, but he also blocks his tail in line like a tight end.

Conklin should become a prime target for Aaron Rodgers back in the fold and fully healthy. After racking up 93 receptions and 922 receiving yards in his first four years with the Minnesota Vikings, Conklin has been a viable option since joining the Jets in 2022, even with the Jets' long list of starting quarterbacks. ball. His elite ability to catch the ball is what stands out.

His 12 contested catches in 2023 were second among TEs behind Sam LaPorta.

Caught 12/18 contested targets; 67% catch rate was 3rd among TEs with 10+ targets

Very good player, I can't wait to see him with Rodgers

-Michael Nania (@Michael_Nania) June 4, 2024

There were numerous reports leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft that Jets general manager Joe Douglas was coveting highly regarded Georgia tight end Brock Bowers. He provided a balance of blocking and pass-catching ability that translates to the NFL. Ultimately, Douglas decided it was in the team's best interest to go for depth at left tackle with Olu Fashanu.

While Conklin may not bring the same balance of size and athletic ability as Bowers, the 28-year-old was able to showcase his abilities with some pathetic quarterback play. Rodgers' return will also help improve Conklin's receiving stats that might not have stood out in recent years.

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– Michael Nania (@Michael_Nania) June 4, 2024

Of course, Conklin is by no means the star of a young and talented Jets offense. But he provides a solid weapon that Rodgers will use in the middle of the field and will use on crucial third downs this year.