Jets Draft Target: Scouting Combine Tight End Standout?
While the New York Jets may consider offensive tackle and receiver their top priorities on offense heading into the upcoming NFL Draft, a mid-round tight end prospect may catch their eye based on his strong showing at the Scouting Combine.
TCU tight end prospect Jared Wiley is considered by many draft analysts to be a potential Day 3 “diamond in the rough.” However, his 4.62 40 time — ranking him fifth among all tight ends at the Combine — could raise his draft stock.
Accordingly, it should put the former Horned Frog on the Jets’ draft radar.
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At 6-7, 260, Wiley possesses both the size and the field awareness to succeed in multiple offensive systems — traits which he showcased during his Senior Bowl practices, as well as his Combine workouts. In addition to his impressive performance in the 40, he posted a 7.19 time in the three-cone drill, while raising some scouts eyes with a 9-10 broad jump.
Though Wiley has been impressive in practices and workouts to date, his play on the field sets him apart from his peers. In his senior season at TCU, Wiley totaled 47 receptions for 520 yards and eight touchdowns. Wiley’s skill set best positions him as a Y tight end at the pro level, aligning slightly flexed away from the tackle.
The Jets 2023 passing game woes largely stemmed from poor quarterback play in the wake of starter Aaron Rodgers’ season-ending torn Achilles. Though receiver Garrett Wilson led the team with 95 catches for 1,042 yards and three touchdowns, veteran tight end Tyler Conklin added 61 caches for 621 yards. However, he was unable to find the end zone. In fact, the only touchdown scored by a tight end last season for the Jets came from reserve C.J. Uzomah during a 16-12 Week 10 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.
While Conklin is unlikely to be displaced as the team’s top option, Wiley could be a solid understudy, while gaining experience as an in-line blocker.
