On back-to-back plays Wednesday, Jets tight ends came up with big catches.
First, Chris Herndon made a twisting catch as he went to the ground. Then, Trevon Wesco made a full-extension catch across the middle. The Jets may be thin at wide receiver, but they could have a very robust group at tight end.
“I love that room,” coach Adam Gase said. “You have a whole bunch of different guys that have different skill sets, and when we get healthy, we’re going to be able to say that’s pretty deep.”
The Jets are missing Ryan Griffin, who is on the physically unable to perform list, and Daniel Brown, who is on the non-football injury list, but they expect them back for the season. That could give them a versatile group of tight ends.
Herndon is the key piece. After missing 15 games last year, Herndon has been a beast early in camp, catching everything thrown his way.
“Chris is making plays, man,” Sam Darnold said. “He’s making plays all over the field and it’s good to have him back.”
While the Jets have a lot of unproven wide receivers, Gase feels with the tight ends and running backs who can catch the ball that the Jets have, their weapons are better than people believe.
“I like our skill players,” Gase said. “I get it, they’re not the big names that people know, but these guys, they work well together and when you put them together as a group, they’re very effective.”
WR Chris Hogan officially signed Wednesday and was on the practice field. Hogan got some work with the second-team offense and even fielded a few punts in his first practice.
“I don’t think it’s going to take him very long,” Gase said. “I feel like half the offense he already knows because there’s some terminology crossover in some of the offenses that he’s been in. You’re talking about a guy that’s been in quite a few offenses.”
What does Darnold think of having 6-foot-7, 370-pound Mekhi Becton protecting his blindside?
“It’s comforting,” Darnold said. “Being back there and it’s a good feeling when you have a lot of confidence in your O-line and we’re excited to have big Bec and I think he’s going to be a very, very special player.”
The Jets plan on working out veteran WR Donte Moncrief, according to a source. Moncrief played just eight games last year, splitting time between the Panthers and Steelers. He had four catches for 18 yards. … Former Giants QB Kyle Lauletta is also getting a tryout, according to the league’s transaction wire. … The Jets cut RB Kenneth Dixon to clear the roster spot for Hogan.