Way-Too-Early Mock Draft: Jets Add Threat Over Middle of the Field

The New York Jets are rightfully annoyed with the state of the offense. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has returned gracefully, but it has proven to be difficult to get receiver Garrett Wilson the ball, running back Breece Hall is in a slump, and the ancillary weapons have not been enough to elevate the offense.

Among them is tight end Tyler Conklin. The veteran tight end’s skill set meshes well with Rodgers, but the production hasn’t necessarily been there. In Week 3, he posted 93 yards. Across the other three weeks, he has combined for 33 yards. Conklin hasn’t scored a touchdown this season.

If the fanbase’s rabid pursuit of Las Vegas Raiders receiver Davante Adams is any indication, another weapon is necessary. But it may have to wait until 2025.

Conklin is a free agent at the end of the year, and New York isn’t winning from the slot. The need, long term, for a receiving threat at tight end is still on the docket.

That’s where New York pivots in the middle of The Athletic’s recent mock draft, taking Michigan tight end Colston Loveland.

“It’s entirely possible Loveland won’t be around at Pick 18,” Nick Baumgardner wrote. “An outstanding blend of size, speed and hands, Loveland lines up all over the field and routinely beats linebackers, safeties and corners in man coverage. His catch radius is impressive, as is his ability to adjust to poor throws. With or without Aaron Rodgers on next season’s roster, Loveland would be an investment in the Jets’ present and future.”

At 6-foot-4, 245 pounds, Loveland has the requisite size to make an impact as an above-the-rim receiver, can shake off potential tacklers, and holds up well enough as a blocker.

The Jets have struggled to create explosive plays, and Loveland gives them an avenue to that over the middle of the field. With limited returns from rookie Malachi Corley , that could prove even more valuable. Much of the New York offense revolves around finding easy completions. Turning those into chunk gains is invaluable.

While there’s reason to believe Loveland is a strong prospect, fans will likely be hesitant to take a Round 1 tight end. It took a Brock Bowers-level prospect to generate hype as an early-first-round pick, but the history of Day 1 tight ends isn’t particularly appealing.

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Loveland isn’t an elite prospect, and he doesn’t play a high-value position. That alone may take him off general manager Joe Douglas’ board. In the first round, New York has taken a quarterback, three offensive linemen, two edge rushers, a corner, and a receiver since Douglas took over ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft.

That doesn't bode well for Loveland’s chances as a Jet, and frankly, other options at receiver and on defense will likely make more sense come April.