Mehta’s Top 20 Jets Countdown: Herndon
The 2019 Jets have new uniforms, new coaches and a new general manager, but one familiar question remains after an unexpected shakeup after the draft: Are these the ‘Same Old Jets’?
Mike Maccagnan added some quality pieces before getting fired in May, but has this star-crossed franchise done enough to break an eight-year playoff drought?
I’ll be revealing my Top 20 players on the roster every weekday for the next four weeks in the run-up to training camp.
The list is made up of the players who I think will make the most impact for Adam Gase’s team this season. We’re not ranking guys solely based on past accomplishments. Get ready for some surprises with our projections.
No. 7: Chris Herndon 2018 ranking: 18
Position: Tight End
Age at the start of the season: 23
2019 salary cap $657,800
Contract status: Second year of a four-year, $3.17 million rookie deal
2018 Season in Review: Herndon was a bright spot on an otherwise disappointing Jet offense last season. The fourth-round rookie had plenty of flashes to make folks on One Jets Drive believe that he can be a cornerstone piece for years to come. Heck, even CEO Christopher Johnson was singing the young tight end’s praises this offseason.
Herndon, who hit his stride midseason, was efficient with his opportunities. In fact, the rookie’s 66.7 catch percentage (39 receptions on 56 targets) was second among all tight ends, according to Pro Football Focus. Jets quarterbacks Sam Darnold and Josh McCown had a 152.7 passer rating when targeting Herndon, which was the highest among all tight ends and wide receivers last season.
Herndon, who finished with 502 yards and four touchdowns, showed no ill effects from his MCL injury that ended his college career. He tied the franchise rookie record (with Keyshawn Johnson) with touchdowns in three consecutive games (from Weeks 6-8). His six-catch, 82-yard performance against the Packers in
charge: Week 16 that also included a score gave everyone a glimpse into what he could become for Gang Green moving forward.
There were predictable ebbs and flows in his first season, but objective observers believe the best is yet to come.
2019 Outlook:
Expect Herndon to make a significant jump in Adam Gase’s offense. The new head coach will put a premium on slot pass catchers in his scheme. Herndon, who’s also a quality blocker, will do most of his damage between the numbers.
“I think Chris is unique,” Gase said. “I don’t think you find a lot of tight ends that are able to be on the field all three downs. Obviously, he’s a very good receiver. He’s very good in the run game. He did a really good job in pass protection last year. He’s a unicorn-type player … You don’t see a lot of these guys that can all three phases of the game.”
Herndon is precisely the type of player who can flourish under Gase, who would be wise to maximize the young player’s diverse skill set.
“I see a guy that’s a complete player,” Gase said. “He’s only going to get better from here, factoring in all three phases of pass protection, run game and receiving. It’s exciting. When we get a chance to get going with him, we’ll be able to do a lot of things with him.”
The big question is how many games will Herndon be eligible to play. He pled guilty to DWI in January after being arrested last June. He’s subject to league discipline after violating the Personal Conduct Policy. A suspension is on the horizon.
Next on the Countdown: A likable force.
Countdown Rewind:
No. 20 — C Jonotthan Harrison
No. 19 — LB Jachai Polite No. 18 — WR Quincy Enunwa
No. 17 — LB Jordan Jenkins No. 16 — RT Brandon Shell No. 15 — LB Avery Williamson
No. 14 — CB Trumaine Johnson
No. 13 — LT Kelvin Beachum No. 12 — S Marcus Maye No. 11 — WR Jamison Crowder
No. 10 — WR Robby Anderson
No. 9 — DL Henry Anderson No. 8 — LG Kelechi Osemele