With the beginning of training camp less than two weeks away, it’s time to take a closer look at the makeup of the Jets’ roster entering the 2020 season.

While the Jets got stability from their tight ends in 2019, the position still left a lot to be desired. Chris Herndon provided one catch for seven yards between a four-game suspension and injuries, while Ryan Griffin served as a steady hand in his place. Both Daniel Brown and Trevon Wesco were serviceable blockers but were non-factors in the passing game.

As training camp and the beginning of the regular season inch closer, Jets Wire will provide a look at each of New York’s position groups and what could be in store for the unit in 2020. Let’s break down the tight end room at One Jets Drive.

The Starter

Everything points to Herndon assuming his role as New York’s starting tight end for the 2020 season. In 2019, Herndon served a four-game suspension for a substance abuse policy violation. When he returned, he dealt with a pulled hamstring and eventually was placed on season-ending injured reserve after fracturing a rib in his first game back.

Herndon became one of New York’s primary receiving target as a rookie in 2018, finishing the season as the Jets’ second-leading receiver. The PFWA All-Rookie compiled 502 yards on 39 receptions and four touchdowns in his debut season.

Herndon being back in the fold should open up the Jets passing attack There’s no question that Herndon has strong chemistry with Sam Darnold; he gradually became the quarterback’s security blanket as a rookie and was expected to have a similar role in the team’s offense last season. Between Herndon’s ability as a pass-catcher and run-blocker, he projects as one of the Jets’ most dynamic offensive threats. He just needs to stay healthy.

Depth

Beyond Herndon is Griffin, who figures to share a large portion of the snaps at tight end while being featured in a two tight end formation. New York employed a similar offense utilizing both Griffin and Brown last season, but it wasn’t as effective.

When Griffin stepped in for Herndon during the 2019 season, he proved that he could handle a lion’s share of the targets in Adam Gase’s offense. Griffin finished his first season in green and white with 34 receptions for 320 yards and five touchdowns. Even though he’s coming off season-ending ankle surgery, Griffin developed a necessary rapport with Darnold. The 65 percent of snaps he received in 2019 should dwindle, but he will be an important part of the Jets offense in 2020.

Wesco showed little in his first season as a pass-catcher, but he proved to be a more than capable blocker down the stretch. At times, Wesco also lined up at fullback and could see his role expanded beyond being the team’s TE3. As for Brown, he re-signed with the Jets before free agency began. He figures to be in the mix as a blocking tight end and special teamer. At the backend of the team’s depth chart is Ross Travis, who is the only new face in the tight end room. He’s bounced between Indianapolis and Kansas City but is more known for his college basketball background.

Outlook

On the offensive side of the ball, tight end is certainly the position that New York has the most depth at. Health permitting, Herndon and Griffin should be able to make a formidable 1-2 punch. Darnold’s chemistry with both tight ends should aid the third-year quarterback as he attempts to take the next step. Herndon and Darnold should pick up where they left off in 2018, while Griffin appears primed for a complementary role.

Beyond them, the necessary depth is certainly there. Wesco cementing himself as the team’s third tight end is in the cards, but he could be more useful as a fullback with New York putting an emphasis on its run game this offseason.

The Jets’ tight ends are more than capable of opening up the team’s passing attack and improving the run game. They just need to prove that they can stay healthy.

See more from Jets Wire’s Position Previews series:

QB | RB | WR