One problem area for the New York Jets' offense this offseason was tight end, as Jeremy Ruckert was the only weapon for Justin Fields.
But the franchise drafted Mason Taylor in the second round and added Stone Smartt to give Fields a solid trio of options in the passing game.
Ruckert is the most senior player in the room, along with Smartt; it will be up to the duo to bring Taylor along, as the Jets coaching staff would ideally like the rookie to surpass both and become Fields' go-to guy.
And for Ruckert, he is ready to do whatever is needed.
"I think mainly this year I'm just focusing on myself and where we need to go as a team, just continue to grow and continue to get better," Ruckert said. "I've always played by the motto of just whatever they need me to do. I'm going to do whatever they want, whatever they need me to do, I'm going to do it.
"I think that the biggest thing for this season is get these young guys rolling. I think our room is awesome. I think we're going in the right direction. I think this offseason has been mostly about building this culture and the standard that we need to play with. And I'm super excited about that and continue to get that role in training camp."
There is genuine competition in the tight end room, and Tanner Engstrand might use all three at some point during games, with Ruckert's blocking ability seen as one of his best attributes.
Taylor, due to his draft status and Hall of Fame bloodlines, will be one to watch closely this offseason to see if he can separate himself from Ruckert and Smartt.
But Jeremy is ready for whatever comes this offseason, with the foundation Aaron Glenn is building hitting the right notes with the roster as training camp approaches.
Ruckert hasn't carved out a starting role since his career began three years ago, with nine starts the best he's had in a season.
Is 2025 when he will stamp his authority on the offense?
