Jets 2017 Roster Breakdown: Can Jason Vander Laan Learn How to Play Tight End?

Our Jets roster countdown moves on to tight end conversion project Jason Vander Laan.

Name: Jason Vander Laan

Number: 85

Year with Jets: 2nd

Projected Role: Battling for tight end depth roster spot

His 2016: Vander Laan signed with the Jets as an undrafted free agent. A legendary NCAA Division II quarterback, the 6’4” 245 pound Vander Laan agreed to convert to tight end. He was part of the first round of cuts in training camp, but the Jets did sign him to the practice squad late in December and inked him to a reserve/future contract after the season ended.

2017 will be a success if: Vander Laan makes the practice squad. I think his future was probably hurt by how little time he was on the practice squad for the Jets a year ago. He isn’t just learning how to deal with better competition. He is learning a new position from practically square one and perhaps the hardest position to learn at that. He badly needs developmental reps. Even with them, this feels like a real uphill battle.

Odds of making the roster: Longshot (less than 25%)