Jets 2017 Roster Breakdown: Can Eric Tomlinson Carve Out a Role?

Our countdown of the 2017 Jets roster moves on with Eric Tomlinson.

Name: Eric Tomlinson

Number: 83

Year with Jets: 2nd

Projected Role: Battling for backup tight end spot with a blocking role

His 2016: Tomlinson failed to make the Texans roster out of training camp and was relegated to the practice squad, which is where he spent 2015. The Jets signed him to their active roster in November. He started getting some playing time near the end of the season, registering at least 23 snaps in each of the final four games and 135 on offense for the entire season. He was used primarily in a blocking role at the tight end spot. There aren’t many statistical ways to judge him, but I remember from reviewing film of games near the end of the year saying things to myself like, “Who is that number 83?” “That guy just misses one block after another,” and, “This guy is one of the least effective players I’ve ever watched in the NFL.”

2017 will be a success if: Tomlinson develops into an asset as a blocker. The current projected top two tight ends, Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Jordan Leggett, profile more as pass catchers. There is an opening for somebody to emerge as a blocking option. While I wasn’t impressed with Tomlinson’s work in 2016, he was seeing his first NFL action so there is time for him to get better. There isn’t much depth in training camp at the position, giving him a fighting chance of making the team.

Odds of making the roster: 50/50