Tyler Conklin's Preseason Player Analysis

Bottom Line

Conklin enters a contract year alongside Aaron Rodgers. Not a bad spot for a ‘25 payday – assuming Rodgers can stay healthy.

That unknown adds downside risk to Conklin’s outlook. But as we saw last season, even in a poor situation, he can supply occasional TE1 value.

While the ceiling is higher in 2024, Conklin remains a matchup-based fantasy starter.

What We Learned Last Year

• Conklin's posted exactly 87 targets in three straight seasons.
  • Over that stretch, he’s ranged between 58-61 catches and 552-621 yards.
• Here’s how Conklin assessed his 2023: "There's a lot of things I did on film and in the season that I am really proud of this year," Conklin said. "I feel like I played well in the run game. I don't think it's anywhere near what I can accomplish. I do think I have a lot more to put out there and I know there's a lot of things I can get better at. But I got a career-high in yards, I'm happy about it. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't, but I do think there's a lot more meat on the bone."
• Playing mostly with Zach Wilson, there wasn’t much of a fantasy ceiling to chase.
  • Conklin finished as a top-10 fantasy TE only once, hurt by scoring 0 TDs.
  • He was at least a bit of a lineup stabilizer, ranking top-16 in seven outings.
• Conklin ranked fifth on the team in snaps but played all 17 games for the third straight season.
• The Jets ranked 21s in 12 personnel usage (1 RB, 2 TE) in year one under Nathaniel Hackett. Conklin didn’t have a true threat to his lead-TE role.

What to Expect in 2024

• The Jets didn’t make any noteworthy additions to the TE room. Conklin projects as the clear TE1 ahead of former Round 3 pick Jeremy Ruckert.
• Elsewhere, the Jets added WRs Mike Williams and rookie Malachi Corley.
  • Williams’ resume includes a pair of 1,000-yard seasons. However, he's coming off a Week 3 ACL tear, so it's no guarantee he reaches pre-injury form.
  • Corley brings a feisty run-after-catch skill set but doesn’t project for a sizable target share.
• Following a 2023 Achilles tear, Aaron Rodgers is on schedule to be at full health for Week 1.
• The 2023 Jets, despite QB issues, ranked 5th in pass rate; 13th in pass rate over expected. Look for their pass-centric ways to remain following the return of Rodgers and OC Nathaniel Hackett.