Chris Herndon

New York Jets: Who is Ryan Griffin and What Does he Bring?

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New York Jets sign Ryan Griffin.

The New York Jets have signed former Houston Texans tight end Ryan Griffin. Griffin, a former 6th round pick in 2013, has been a perennial backup his entire career only amassing 136 receptions and 1,491 receiving yards over the span of his 6-year career. Griffin’s best year came in 2016 where he logged 50 receptions for 442 yards and 2 touchdowns.

What to expect from Griffin?

Griffin comes on to the team with a legitimate chance to secure a roster spot. Due to Chris Herndon’s 4 game suspension, Griffin could find himself starting if 4th round pick Trevon Wesco doesn’t impress in camp. Griffin provides veteran insurance in a tight end room whose most experienced player is Eric Tomlinson.

The Jets offense will surely struggle without their top tight end option helping in the passing attack, but Griffin is capable and can fill in while Herndon serves his suspension. He won’t light up the field in any specific way, but he’s a serviceable backup for the time being.

Hopefully, quarterback Sam Darnold can utilize his new weapons in Le’Veon Bell and Jamison Crowder to mask the loss at TE.

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Projected New York Jets starting tight ends: Chris Herndon (4 game suspension), Trevon Wesco (rookie), Daniel Brown, Ryan Griffin.

The New York Jets need potential draft steal Trevon Wesco to make an impact

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New York Jets, Trevon Wesco

The suspension of rising tight end Chris Herndon for the first four games of the season will put a dent in the offense for the New York Jets. His pass-catching ability and blocking skills will be missed, but the Jets did draft a potential draft steal in Trevon Wesco.

With the 121st overall pick in the fourth round, the Jets drafted who NFL analyst Brian Baldinger calls, “BabyGronk.”

While this is certainly an optimistic statement, Wesco is a mountain of a man, standing at 6’3″ and roughly 270 pounds. Using his size to be a three-position player (Y,F, and H), he can be an impact player on a Jets team that will miss Herndon during his suspension.

The offense doesn’t have a proven backup and it will hurt the play-calls Sam Darnold can run, but Wesco might be able to open the playbook back up.

The New York Jets need their rookie TE to develop quickly:

Wesco is behind on the depth chart — he will need to beat out Eric Tomlinson and Ryan Griffin to earn reps, but his size might be enticing enough to get him on the field. Tomlinson has been known for missed assignments and drive-killing penalties.

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The West Virginia product was a great option for Will Grier last season, hauling in 26 passes for 366 yards in 10 games (Sports-Reference). His frame could make for a solid red zone target for Darnold in the passing game. The Jets’ quarterback doesn’t have a true red-zone target, but I imagine they will look to utilize Le’Veon Bell early and often in those situations.

Trevon is sneaky off the line of scrimmage. He’s a primary blocker which only helps his unpredictability in the passing game. Averaging 14.1 yards per reception attests to his ability to expose the seam and make plays over the middle. That’s how the Jets and Adam Gase should look to extract the most value out of the rookie.

New York Jets tight end Chris Herndon suspended

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New York Jets, Chris Herndon

As this was an expected suspension, tight end Chris Herndon of the New York Jets will miss the first four games of the 2019 season due to a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy.

Herndon, who displayed great talent and ability last season, will miss essential time to build a rapport with franchise quarterback Sam Darnold.

The second-year tight end put up 502 receiving yards and four scores, showing his abilities in the passing game and providing a security blanket for Darnold. He was on pace to take his game to the next level before the suspension, however, I imagine he will pick right back up where he left off last season.

Luckily, the Jets are now stocked with offensive talent, signing both Le’Veon Bell and Jamison Crowder this offseason period to bolster the team. They can manage without Herndon for the first four games, but his loss will only hurt his development.

The Jets don’t have an easy schedule to start the year, though, facing off against the Bills, Browns, Patriots, and Eagles in that order. They will need all the firepower they can get to compete against those teams.

“Last season, the Jets’ offense ranked #23 in points scored with 20.8 per game, according to NFL.com. Bell’s influence will surely provide more points and the experience of Darnold and Herndon will aid in its elevation as well.”

 

 

Why New York Jets tight end Chris Herndon can have a breakout year in 2019

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New York Jets, Chris Herndon

Entering year two of his career, New York Jets tight end Chris Herndon is coming into this season with high expectations. After a stellar rookie year converting 39 receptions out of his 56 targets for 502 yards and four touchdowns, Herndon has proved himself to be a reliable target for Sam Darnold.

The chemistry between Herndon and Darnold was on display in the second half of the season where Herndon logged his best games. He was a steal in the draft last year showcasing his ability to be a good blocker and an even better receiver. PFF ranked Herndon 12th out of 70 tight ends for his performances last year and there is only room to grow. Herndon’s athleticism will allow head coach Adam Gase to flex him out wide and create mismatches against defenders.

What to expect from New York Jets TE Chris Herndon in 2019?

Chris Herndon has proved himself to be one of the most reliable targets on the team combining his athleticism with his football IQ to become Sam Darnold’s safety blanket. The sophomore still has a lot of work to do in order to become a premier tight end in the league, but we can expect to see growth throughout his sophomore year.

Herndon should have a big role in the red zone this year with his ability to create separation against defenders. You can also expect to see Adam Gase use Herndon more as a vertical threat because of his size and speed.

Unfortunately for Herndon, he will most likely face a two-game suspension after pleading guilty to a DUI that occurred back in June 2018.

Projected Stats: 69 Targets, 49 Receptions, 718 Yards, 7 Touchdowns