New York Jets 2018 Positional Battles: Tight end

Eric Tomlinson

Nobody thought I actually meant E.T., did they?

Eric Tomlinson is a very interesting prospect, possibly even a wild card in the room. He never was really known as a pass receiver, posting no more than two touchdowns in a season while at UTEP. He stands at 6-6, 263 pounds, but secured his reputation as a blocker by running the forty yard dash in 4.98 seconds. He wasn’t drafted and nobody really noticed him.

Last year, however, Tomlinson showed us a little something in the passing game. He started 12 times and caught eight passes for 121 yards and a touchdown. He averaged 15.1 yards per reception, showing he could get down the field a little bit and move with the football. Straight line speed doesn’t always translate into game speed, either way.

Is he a guy that I think can become the full-time starter? Doubtful. But remember he stands at 6-6, 263 pounds. Rob Gronkowski stands at 6-6, 265 pounds. Before anyone goes crazy I am not comparing the ability of Gronkowski to Tomlinson. But they are both built to the prototypical size. If Tomlinson can find some space in the seam he will put up surprising numbers. Don’t sleep on this guy.