Jets’ Tyler Conklin goals to grow to be Aaron Rodgers’ newest tight finish success story

Few across the NFL can say they’ve watched Aaron Rodgers as a lot as Tyler Conklin, his new Jets teammate.

Although he was raised in Michigan, the 27-year-old tight finish grew up a Packers fan and as a youngster he often watched Rodgers.

Conklin then spent the primary 4 seasons of his profession with the Vikings, taking part in in the identical NFC North division as Rodgers and receiving a close-up look.

Coming into his second season with the Jets, Conklin is now getting his closest look but at Rodgers, the team’s new quarterback.

Conklin known as it “loopy” and a “dream come true.”

Past a private dream for Conklin, nonetheless, he and Rodgers, 39, are hoping to be a dream pairing on the sphere.

The Jets have bold expectations for Conklin this season.

“Conk has great athleticism. He’s obtained a lot grit within the run sport,” head coach Robert Saleh stated following apply Friday. “For [him and Rodgers], it’s simply getting on the identical web page as shortly as potential. Knock on wooden, that tight finish group, it’s gonna be a enjoyable group. … Conklin is somebody that I believe can actually blossom on this offense.”

Saleh pointed to tight ends akin to Mercedes Lewis and Robert Tonyan thriving in new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett’s West Coast offense, which the Jets are implementing this yr and is essentially what Rodgers has run all through his profession.

Conklin echoed that sentiment, claiming the offense is “very tight finish pleasant.”

Particularly, Conklin stated the offense’s emphasis on operating exterior zone ought to open up ample play-action alternatives for him and the opposite tight ends.

“I like the way in which these coaches train this offense…,” Conklin stated. “And [Rodgers] is simply so good. He makes everybody round him so a lot better due to his experiences and what he’s been by means of.”

C.J. Uzomah is starting coaching camp on the bodily unable to carry out checklist on account of a leg damage, so Conklin is the highest tight finish on the depth chart.

He recorded 58 receptions for 552 yards and three touchdowns after signing a three-year, $20.3 million contract with the Jets final yr.

Conklin stated he has studied tight ends who performed with Rodgers previously, significantly Tonyan, Jermichael Finley and Jared Prepare dinner.

Every was used in a different way, Conklin stated.

After watching and taking part in towards Rodgers for thus a few years, Conklin stated the veteran quarterback has principally been as anticipated.

In conferences, Rodgers “retains you in your toes,” and is continually ensuring everyone seems to be on the identical web page.

However there’s a aspect to Rodgers that Conklin remains to be ready to see.

“I’m excited to see when issues actually get intense on the sphere, how he’s on the sphere,” Conklin stated. “I’ve undoubtedly heard he has a swap. I’m excited to play with a competitor like him.”