For the first time in over three seasons of Jets football, the team has finally had a true target to throw the ball to at the tight end position. Austin Seferian-Jenkins has become a weapon that opposing defenses must now plan for.
At 6’ 6” and 260 lbs, the former second round pick turned heads at the 2014 NFL combine. He ran a 4.56 second forty yard dash – impressive speed for a player that many felt could be the next great hybrid tight end. But his short career has been a roller coaster at that. How has he managed to get where he is today? And what should the league expect to see going forward?
Troubles on the Horizon
Drafted with the thirty-eighth overall pick by Tampa Bay, Seferian-Jenkins had a strong rookie season. He hauled in 21 passes for 221 yards despite playing in only nine games. The Buccaneers were beginning to tap into some serious potential, and the league knew it.
The 2015 season also got off to an impressive start for ASJ. He opened up the year with a 110 yard breakout game, but again, the versatile tight end saw his season cut short, appearing in only seven total games. He finished with 21 grabs for 338 yards.
2016 marked the end of a short era, however. His tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization came to a close as Seferian-Jenkins was released due to a much publicized DUI case.
A New Beginning
Seferian-Jenkins continued his 2016 campaign by joining the New York Jets, being picked up off the waiver wire. It was a gamble-type move for both sides, but the Jets ultimately decided to take the risk that no other team would.
When ASJ eventually landed in the Meadowlands, he immediately took advantage of his new opportunity. He decided to seek help and treatment for his past troubles and openly spoke about the issues he faced in Tampa Bay. He was paving the way for a fresh-start that no one thought he could.
Not sure I’ve seen a #Jets player who wasn’t a top draft pick or big FA signing become as big a fan favorite as quickly as Austin Seferian-Jenkins. His redemption story clearly hits home with many in this NY/NJ fanbase.
— Dennis Waszak Jr. (@DWAZ73) November 15, 2017
His final 2016 statistics don’t jump off the page. He finished with 13 catches for 154 yards and one touchdown, but his contributions in the running game and his pass catching capabilities became evident.
-
Ep 135: 49ers Move To 3-0, NFC South Buy or Sell, Week 3 Picks/Predictions
by Full Press Coverage on September 24, 2023 at 3:13 pm
Where have you been?
The New England Patriots have Rob Gronkowski, the Kansas City Chiefs have Travis Kelce. The Jets have had, well… very little.
The 2015 season saw Jets tight ends Jeff Cumberland and Kellen Davis combine for an eye popping eight catches and 95 yards. Yes folks, that’s for the season. The 2016 season was not much better as Brandon Bostick was joined by the newly acquired Seferian-Jenkins, but totaled only 18 catches for 173 yards. Very few NFL teams have had success when they receive no offensive impact at the tight end position, just look at recent history.
It’s ASJ Time
In a better place physically and mentally, the 25-year old has gotten off to a great start in his first full season with the Jets. With 41 catches for 315 yards and three touchdowns (not to mention the two touchdown grabs that were stolen from him), Austin has become the player that NFL scouts had anticipated.
His blocking abilities continue to develop while he also creates troubles for opposing secondaries. He’s granted more single man coverage for young speedster Robby Anderson, which has paid dividends. Jets offensive coordinator John Morton also knows he has a red zone threat with Seferian-Jenkins. “He’s basically 6’6” a big target, we’ve already scored a couple of touchdowns this season,” Morton said in regards to ASJ’s versatility.
The Future is Bright
The expectation is that Seferian-Jenkins plans on sticking around for the ride. “I would love to be here long term, I love this place. I consider this home for me,” he said despite rumors of the Jets tanking. Now, it will be up to New York to make an appropriate offer to the soon-to-be free agent.
As the 2017 season continues to move along, we can all look forward to the day when Quincy Enunwa returns. It could be a dangerous trio flanked with Seferian-Jenkins to his left and Anderson on his right. Most pundits and Jets fans alike assume that the Jets will be drafting a quarterback in 2018 – What better way to develop the next signal caller than with a great tight end? Ah, what a concept!
– Brad Keith is a staff writer for Full Press Coverage Jets and covers the New York Jets. Like and follow on Follow @jetsfan2124 Follow @FPC_Jets
-
Ep 171: Discussing The Career Of George Kunz With Son Mattby Full Press Coverage on September 23, 2023 at 2:30 pm
Clark and Ira are joined by Matt Kunz, son of former Colts lineman George […]
-
Ep 170: The 1986 Giants With Gary Myersby Full Press Coverage on September 15, 2023 at 9:44 pm
HOF voter and author Gary Myers joins Clark and Ira to discuss his new […]
-
Ep 169: Discussing Art Powell and the AFL With Historian Todd Tobiasby Full Press Coverage on September 3, 2023 at 3:04 pm
AFL historian Todd Tobias joins Clark and Ira to talk Art Powell and the […]
-
Ep 168: Hall of Fame Finalist Randy Gradishar Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on August 24, 2023 at 8:44 pm
Former Broncos linebacker and member of the Orange Crush Defense, Randy […]
-
Quick Film Room Review of NFL Week 3--Dolphins soar, Jets grounded & Chargers still undercoachedby LandryFootball.com on September 25, 2023 at 1:40 pm
We give you a Film Room Review on all the NFL games from Sunday, breaking […]
-
Oregon interrupts the Colorado Circus act & the culpable mediaby LandryFootball.com on September 24, 2023 at 4:30 pm
The Colorado hype train is silenced, Land Kiffin continues to come up […]
-
Ep 306: Week 2 Fantasy Football Previewby Full Press Coverage on September 14, 2023 at 3:06 am
-
Ep 305: TE Target Totals from Week 1by Full Press Coverage on September 12, 2023 at 2:28 am
-
Ep 304: The NFL Season Is Hereby Full Press Coverage on September 7, 2023 at 3:13 am
-
Ep 303: Ambiguous Situations in Fantasy Footballby Full Press Coverage on August 29, 2023 at 2:47 pm
-
Ep 184: Week 3 Instant Reactionby Full Press Coverage on September 25, 2023 at 12:47 am
The Green Bay Packers were in another 1-point game, this time a 18-17 win […]
-
Ep 183: Week 3 Preview vs Saintsby Full Press Coverage on September 21, 2023 at 2:11 am
In this episode, Kyle Senra is joined by Courtney Burrows (luvtractor3) […]
-
Full Press Wild - 9-25 - Recapping the Wild’s preseason opener.by Full Press Coverage on September 25, 2023 at 3:00 pm
Preseason, Daemon Hunt, injury Learn more about your ad choices. Visit […]
-
ROP Special Commentary: Representation Mattersby Charlie Saunier on September 24, 2023 at 5:01 am
ROP Special Commentary: Representation Matters Learn more about your ad […]
-
Full Press Wild - 9-22 - Recapping prospect camp and a player signing.by Full Press Coverage on September 22, 2023 at 3:00 pm
Prospect camp, signing, Jujhar Khaira Learn more about your ad choices. […]
-
ROP Special Commentary: The Case For Karlby Charlie Saunier on September 22, 2023 at 5:01 am
Renegades Of Puck Special Commentary: The Case For Karl Learn more about […]
-
Full Press Kraken - 9-21 - Training camp, Prospects, Preseasonby Full Press Coverage on September 21, 2023 at 4:00 pm
Previewing training camp, looking at prospects. Learn more about your ad […]
-
Full Press Blackhawks - 9-21 - Kyle Davidson’s Presser Takeawaysby Full Press Coverage on September 21, 2023 at 3:00 pm
Reacting to what Blackhawks general manager, Kyle Davidson said to media, […]
-
9/25 - Week 3 Reactions, Dolphins Hang 70, Biggest Disappointmentsby Full Press Coverage on September 25, 2023 at 1:46 pm
Ian and John react to a fascinating Week 3 in the NFL and talk about some […]
-
9/22 - 49ers Move To 3-0, Week 2 Picks and Predictionsby Full Press Coverage on September 22, 2023 at 1:58 pm
Ian and John discuss the 49ers win over the Giants on Thursday Night […]
-
9/21 - Thursday Night Football Preview; NFL MVP Talkby Full Press Coverage on September 21, 2023 at 2:15 pm
Ian and John preview Thursday Night Football between the Giants and 49ers […]
-
9/19 - Monday Night Recap, State of Quarterback Play, 2-0 Teamsby Full Press Coverage on September 19, 2023 at 2:08 pm
Ian and John discuss MNF and talk about the state of quarterback play. […]
-
9/18 - Week 2 Headlines; Monday Night Football Predictionsby Full Press Coverage on September 18, 2023 at 2:05 pm
Ian and John discuss some of the headlines from Sunday's action, some […]
-
9/15 - Eagles Survive Vikings; Week 2 Picks and Predictionsby Full Press Coverage on September 15, 2023 at 2:09 pm
Ian and John discuss the Eagles win over the Vikings and preview Week 2. […]
-
Ep 2: Top 5 Super Bowls Of All Timeby Full Press Coverage on February 7, 2023 at 3:26 pm
Ian Glendon and John Sapochetti give their Top 5 Super Bowls of all time. […]
-
Ep 1: The Top 10 Quarterbacks Of All Timeby Full Press Coverage on January 12, 2023 at 8:42 pm
On the first episode of 'According To Who?', host Ian Glendon and John […]
-
Full Press MMA - 9-25 - Israel Drinks & Drives while Colby hates Stricklandby Full Press Coverage on September 25, 2023 at 5:00 pm
-
Portland Trail Blazers Previewby Broken Controller Media on September 25, 2023 at 3:00 pm
-
9/25 - Week 3 Reactions, Dolphins Hang 70, Biggest Disappointmentsby Full Press Coverage on September 25, 2023 at 1:46 pm
-
Full Press MMA - 9-22 - Colby’s back for the Title…But why?by Full Press Coverage on September 25, 2023 at 1:30 pm
-
Ep. 279: Wilmington Head Basketball Coach Dan Burkeby Full Press Coverage on September 25, 2023 at 5:00 am
-
Ep 184: Week 3 Instant Reactionby Full Press Coverage on September 25, 2023 at 12:47 am
-
Ep 135: 49ers Move To 3-0, NFC South Buy or Sell, Week 3 Picks/Predictionsby Full Press Coverage on September 24, 2023 at 3:13 pm
-
Ep 183: The Sandmanby Full Press Coverage on September 23, 2023 at 2:00 pm
-
Steelers at Raiders - Eagles at Bucs - Rams at Bengalsby Broken Controller Media on September 22, 2023 at 4:00 pm
-
Phoenix Suns Previewby Broken Controller Media on September 22, 2023 at 3:00 pm
-
Boot 2 The Face "The Rock Says..."by Boot 2 The Face on September 24, 2023 at 3:12 pm
On this episode of B2TF we talk AEW, WWE, NXT, Becky Lynch, Jey Uso, Raw, […]
-
Boot 2 The Face "She Was Portly"by Boot 2 The Face on September 14, 2023 at 11:57 pm
In the latest episode we talk Jey Uso and his move to Monday Night Raw. We […]
-
Wrestling World is Changing: From CM Punk To Vince McMahon to LA Knightby Full Press Coverage on September 14, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Jim Biringer is back once again joined by Justin Starr as they break the […]
-
Back To Back Events Just Too Much... Let's Enjoy All Inby Full Press Coverage on September 2, 2023 at 12:00 pm
Jim Biringer is back once again joined by Andy McNamara as they discuss […]
-
Ep 183: The Sandmanby Full Press Coverage on September 23, 2023 at 2:00 pm
This week we're diving back into the extreme and looking at the career of […]