The New York Jets have an incredibly impressive roster that is arguably one of the most talented in the NFL heading into 2024, and that is thanks much in part to some of the moves the Jets have made this offseason.
New York has added some more weapons for Aaron Rodgers and has patched up the offensive line, which was a major weakness in 2023. Not only that, but the Jets swung a trade for elite pass rusher Haason Reddick to bolster what was already a terrific defense.
Obviously, New York's season is almost exclusively dependent on the health of Rodgers, who is coming off of a torn Achilles. If he is right, the Jets will have a chance to make a deep run. If he isn't 100 percent, Gang Green will be in big trouble.
But let's just assume Rodgers is just fine and will rediscover his old Green Bay Packers form.
Even if that happens, the Jets will need more than that to win a Super Bowl, and that's where some of the club's lesser-known members come into play.
Here are a couple of names to familiarize yourself with in the lead-up to the 2024 NFL campaign.
Tyler Conklin, tight end
There were some who were clamoring for the Jets to select Brock Bowers with their first-round draft pick. My question is, why?
New York ultimately decided to roll with offensive tackle Olumuyiwa Fashanu, which was absolutely the right way to go. But even after the Jets took one of the best offensive linemen in the draft and filled a major need, there was a faction who felt New York should have gone with Bowers.
Look: I get that Bowers is a phenomenal prospect, but it's not like the Jets needed a tight end. They already have a good one in Tyler Conklin.
These days, it's like everyone expects your tight end to play like Travis Kelce or George Kittle. That's just not realistic for the vast majority of tight ends in the league. You can still be a good tight end and not do things like set NFL records. A happy medium exists.
That's where Conklin sits.
Conklin hauled in 61 receptions for 621 yards last season, representing his second consecutive strong season in the Big Apple. In his Jets debut in 2022, he caught 58 passes for 552 yards and three touchdowns. Also nice numbers.
The 28-year-old could represent a very nice security blanket for Rodgers on short and intermediate throws in 2024. Wide receivers Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams will likely be the focal point of the aerial attack for Gang Green, but Conklin is unquestionably a reliable auxiliary option.
Additionally, Conklin is a fantastic blocker. The man is just an all-around good tight end.
D.J. Reed, cornerback
Yes, Sauce Gardner is the best player in the Jets' secondary. Heck, he may be the best cornerback in football. As a result, D.J. Reed gets overshadowed.
Reed has never made a Pro Bowl, but he is probably one of the most underrated defensive backs in the NFL. This past season, he played in 15 games and registered 76 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble and nine passes defended. He also received an impressive 77.9 grade from Pro Football Focus.
The Kansas State product is entering his third season in New York and is definitely not a household name. He was originally selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft and spent just two years with the 49ers before being waived in August 2020. Reed then moved on to the Seattle Seahawks for two seasons before linking up with the Jets in 2022.
Reed isn't a flashy name, and it certainly took him some time to find his sea legs. He didn't get much of an opportunity in San Francisco, and while he was solid in Seattle, he didn't really come into his own until he arrived in New York.
Perhaps 2024 could finally be the year where Reed starts to gain some actual recognition. It would be more likely to happen if the Jets have a big season.
New York's secondary is a major strength, and Reed is a significant reason why.
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