Tyler Conklin, the starting tight end for the New York Jets, appears capable of outperforming this ranking.

Upon closer inspection, it might be argued that Conklin’s production as a pass-catcher during his two seasons with the Jets warrants a higher ranking.

The Jets’ top wide receiver, Garrett Wilson, led the team in receiving yards (1,173) in 2022 and 2023. With a career catch percentage of 69.7, Conklin has made 58 catches in the previous two seasons and 61 receptions in the previous one.

In PPR format fantasy football leagues, ESPN’s positional rankings for tight ends rate the soon-to-be 29-year-old Conklin as the 17th best choice.

“Conk is a great person, especially for a vet. He’s so cute. He’s capable of opening up. At the NFL meetings in late March, Jets general manager Joe Douglas addressed reporters, saying, “He’s an incredible route runner with unbelievable hands.”

Conklin is ranked one position below Chicago Bears starter Cole Kmet on the fantasy draft board, which is topped by second-year prodigy Samantha LaPorta of the Detroit Lions.Tight end Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs is ranked second overall.

Conklin’s fantasy value has been significantly reduced by the fact that he was held out of the end zone the previous season and has only three touchdowns in his last 34 games.

Conversely, the steady-handed tight end produced above-average numbers even in the absence of reliable quarterback performance. Conklin ought to do well in an offense run by Aaron Rodgers, theoretically. An increase in attainable targets is perhaps what he views as a useful red zone tool.