jtomm Posted July 11, 2023 Share Posted July 11, 2023 Jets' Tight End Rebounding from Bumpy Rookie Ride Third-round draft pick healthy for sophomore season with his family's favorite team RALPH VENTRE It almost seemed too good to be true last spring. Jeremy Ruckert, son of a diehard Long Island-based New York Jets' fan, was drafted with the No. 101 overall pick by his hometown team. Unfortunately, Ruckert had a rather forgettable rookie season. The 6-foot-5 tight end totaled 46 offensive snaps in nine games and garnered only two targets in the passing game. Ruckert did not make his first career reception until Week 18.The good news for Jets' fans is that likely wasn't the real Ruckert who they watched last season. The Lindenhurst High School (NY) product was bothered by a lingering foot ailment throughout the 2022 campaign."Last year, he had plantar fasciitis, as he was dealing with the foot injury all season, but he looks like a guy on a mission," said head coach Robert Saleh during OTAs. Having returned to full health, Ruckert flashed his potential during multiple springtime practices that were open to media. "He looks awesome. He’s hungry," said Saleh. "Excited about him and the direction he’s going in for sure."The second-year pro showed the traits that likely inspired the Jets to make the Ohio State product a Round 3 draft selection."He’s really attacked the offseason. He looks fluid. He looks athletic," said Saleh prior to the final OTAs practice With Tyler Conklin out due to an undisclosed injury, Ruckert received a fair share of practice reps this spring. "We’re not in pads yet, but I’m not worried about him in pads. He’s got a nasty streak to him," said Saleh during the last week of OTAs Phase 3.Ruckert seemingly heads into the 2023 NFL Preseason as Gang Green's No. 3 tight end behind Conklin and veteran C.J. Uzomah, but seventh-round rookie Zack Kuntz is also in the mix. When it comes to his contributions in the pass game, Ruckert could be a difference maker at the pro level despite lacking gaudy receiving numbers at Ohio State.In four years as a Buckeye, he totaled 54 receptions for 615 yards and 12 touchdowns, but there weren't many targets to go around on an offense that featured three first-round receivers — Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.Ruckert possesses the physical tools to become a productive receiving tight end in the NFL. His size and speed could make him a mis-match for opposing defenders. After a bumpy rookie ride, Ruckert is on the rebound with his hometown team. "I think he’s very physical, he has a physical mindset to him, so I’m excited for him to get pads on and continue to pick up where he’s left off here in OTAs," said Saleh. >> https://www.si.com/nfl/jets/news/ruckert-on-rebound-after-bumpy-rookie-ride Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
usanyj Posted July 11, 2023 Share Posted July 11, 2023 Would make that draft even more of a juggernaut if he turns into something 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nycdan Posted July 11, 2023 Share Posted July 11, 2023 It's interesting to me that I can't recall a single TE that Rodgers ever had that put up big numbers. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rangerous Posted July 11, 2023 Share Posted July 11, 2023 Ruckert was drafted high enough so he should be pretty decent at his position. Last year was a mess mostly because milfy had no idea how to run an offense. He’s gone now and there’s an adult running the show. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe W. Namath Posted July 11, 2023 Share Posted July 11, 2023 By end of next year, Ruckert will be a george kittle level tight end. Unless there is an injury, ruckert isnt going to play much this year. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beerfish Posted July 11, 2023 Share Posted July 11, 2023 8 minutes ago, nycdan said: It's interesting to me that I can't recall a single TE that Rodgers ever had that put up big numbers. Robert Tonyan had 11 tds a few years back. Jermichael Finley had a few good years. But yeah overall not a lot of huge years there. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post slats Posted July 11, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted July 11, 2023 I don’t think, “Kuntz is also in the mix.” Instead, this will be his redshirt year. Ruckert, however, could very easily be poised to break out. Conklin and Uzomah both have fully guaranteed salaries this year. Next year, neither player does. It is very much in the team’s best interest to get him much more involved in the offense this year. If he can move up one or two spots, that will free up the team to comfortably cut (presumably) Uzomah’s $8M off the books. Massive bonus if he can surpass Conklin; who I like, but in reality is a marginal starting caliber TE. I don’t think that’s out of the question at all. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Embrace the Suck Posted July 11, 2023 Share Posted July 11, 2023 1 hour ago, slats said: I don’t think, “Kuntz is also in the mix.” Instead, this will be his redshirt year. Ruckert, however, could very easily be poised to break out. Conklin and Uzomah both have fully guaranteed salaries this year. Next year, neither player does. It is very much in the team’s best interest to get him much more involved in the offense this year. If he can move up one or two spots, that will free up the team to comfortably cut (presumably) Uzomah’s $8M off the books. Massive bonus if he can surpass Conklin; who I like, but in reality is a marginal starting caliber TE. I don’t think that’s out of the question at all. One could presume we'll see far more snaps on offense this year. I could see the TEs rotating to stay fresh in the run and passing games leading to snaps for Ruckert to develop into the guy for next year. Kuntz being ready to rotate as the primary backup next year would be stellar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jet_Engine1 Posted July 11, 2023 Share Posted July 11, 2023 2 hours ago, Joe W. Namath said: By end of next year, Ruckert will be a george kittle level tight end. Unless there is an injury, ruckert isnt going to play much this year. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JetPotato Posted July 11, 2023 Share Posted July 11, 2023 2 hours ago, Joe W. Namath said: By end of next year, Ruckert will be a george kittle level tight end. Unless there is an injury, ruckert isnt going to play much this year. That whole year off this year is really going to move him towards George Kittle status. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ASH1962 Posted July 11, 2023 Share Posted July 11, 2023 3 hours ago, nycdan said: It's interesting to me that I can't recall a single TE that Rodgers ever had that put up big numbers. Bubba Franks? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peebag Posted July 11, 2023 Share Posted July 11, 2023 Sure be nice if we could have a decent TE. Noticed I said "decent" not great? Because, Jets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#27TheDominator Posted July 11, 2023 Share Posted July 11, 2023 4 hours ago, nycdan said: It's interesting to me that I can't recall a single TE that Rodgers ever had that put up big numbers. I don't know about BIG numbers, but in Hackett's middle season, 2020, Tonyon put up almost 600 yards with 12 TDs and close to 90% catch rate. That's about as good as it gets. I think Graham, Rogers and 100 years ago, Jermichael Finley had some fairly big years (600-800 yards) but they probably saw more volume than the Jets TEs will. I am looking for scoring and efficiency, but I'd be surprised if any of them get much over 500 yards 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nycdan Posted July 11, 2023 Share Posted July 11, 2023 2 hours ago, ASH1962 said: Bubba Franks? I think he did most of his best work with Favre. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larz Posted July 11, 2023 Share Posted July 11, 2023 Please football gods unleash the Ruck we deserve it 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stark Posted July 12, 2023 Share Posted July 12, 2023 Loading ………. the @Paradis ripping his shirt off Hulk Hogan style holding up his Ruckert jersey. damn it failed. Yo @Paradiscan you re-upload that gif 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OtherwiseHappyinLife Posted July 12, 2023 Share Posted July 12, 2023 2 hours ago, Larz said: Please football gods unleash the Ruck we deserve it At the very least, hoping he can be a dominant blocker and real red zone threat. Blocking starts with mentality and he showed that and more vs Dolphins. Combine that with his size, athleticism and leverage, he was throwing Dolphins around like rag dolls. His size & soft hands should make for a nice target inside the 20. Last year we stunk, this year I’m optimistic with the additions of Rodgers, Lazard and Ruckert. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunnie Posted July 12, 2023 Share Posted July 12, 2023 By end of next year, Ruckert will be a george kittle level tight end. Unless there is an injury, ruckert isnt going to play much this year.... I see what you did there.Sent from my Pixel 7 using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paradis Posted July 12, 2023 Share Posted July 12, 2023 15 hours ago, Stark said: Loading ………. the @Paradis ripping his shirt off Hulk Hogan style holding up his Ruckert jersey. damn it failed. Yo @Paradiscan you re-upload that gif 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jetsfan80 Posted July 12, 2023 Share Posted July 12, 2023 51 minutes ago, Paradis said: If only he was wearing pink crocks in this 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghost420 Posted July 12, 2023 Share Posted July 12, 2023 On 7/11/2023 at 12:27 PM, Joe W. Namath said: By end of next year, Ruckert will be a george kittle level tight end. Unless there is an injury, ruckert isnt going to play much this year. If he was George Kittle he would have no trouble beating out the JAGs we have at TE. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barton Posted July 12, 2023 Share Posted July 12, 2023 If jets don’t pick up a legit 1 opposite Wilson, they will NEED Ruckert to step up in a big way. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
y2k8 Posted July 12, 2023 Share Posted July 12, 2023 On 7/11/2023 at 12:22 PM, rangerous said: Ruckert was drafted high enough so he should be pretty decent at his position. Last year was a mess mostly because milfy had no idea how to run an offense. He’s gone now and there’s an adult running the show. I thought the same thing about Jace Amaro. Zach shoulders much of the blame for last year, but Ruckert not developing is not on Wilson. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slats Posted July 12, 2023 Share Posted July 12, 2023 2 hours ago, Paradis said: Ah, so this is what a “buckeye” looks like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rangerous Posted July 12, 2023 Share Posted July 12, 2023 34 minutes ago, y2k8 said: I thought the same thing about Jace Amaro. Zach shoulders much of the blame for last year, but Ruckert not developing is not on Wilson. Hard to say what amaros problems were. Could be just didn’t like the team. He was also coming from a chuck and duck offense so maybe he didn’t have to block much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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