As the Jets get close to training camp, I am going to examine the roster and give you my top 25 players. Each weekday, we will reveal another person on the list, leading right into camp. I am not including rookies on this list because I do not feel it is possible to fully evaluate them before they play a game.
No. 24: Eric Tomlinson
Last year’s ranking: Unranked
Position: TE
Age: 26
How acquired: Signed off Texans practice squad on Nov. 5, 2016
Years left on contract: 1
2018 Salary Cap figure: $630,000
Looking back at 2017: Tomlinson emerged last year as a nice complementary piece on the offense. Unlike most tight ends these days, he can actually block. Pro Football Focus rated him third in pass blocking efficiency among tight ends.
Tomlinson played in 14 games for the Jets last year, missing two with an elbow injury. While his main role was as a blocker, he did have some big catches for the Jets. Defenses would seemingly fall asleep on Tomlinson, not expecting him to get the ball, and that resulted in a few big plays.
He finished the year with eight catches for 121 yards and his first career touchdown. His 15.1 yards per reception was tied for seventh among tight ends, per PFF.
Tomlinson’s targets dropped dramatically late in the season. He was targeted nine times in his first seven games, but only twice in the final seven. Part of that could be attributed to Bryce Petty taking over for Josh McCown.
“He’s been great,” Jets coach Todd Bowles said in the middle of the year. “For me, he’s been the unsung guy on the offense because he does all of the dirty work. He allows Austin (Seferian-Jenkins) to be Austin. He helps out with the offensive line. He’s caught a few balls here and there, but he’s a hard worker. He’s a gritty guy and I like the player.”
Tomlinson showed his versatility in December against the Broncos. When long snapper Thomas Hennessy suffered a concussion on the first punt of the game, Tomlinson replaced him and handled the long-snapping duties for the rest of the game. He did not have any bad snaps.
Outlook for 2018: The Jets let Seferian-Jenkins walk in free agency. He signed with the Jaguars. It is a gamble for the team, which is betting that the combination of Tomlinson, Jordan Leggett, Neal Sterling and Chris Herndon will fill the position to a suitable level.
Tomlinson’s advantage is his blocking. He will have a decent role on this team as a blocker. The question is if Jeremy Bates will also get him involved in the passing game. He showed that he can be a sneaky receiver in a limited role last year. Does that role increase in 2018?