New York Jets Draft Target: Florida State Tight End Jaheim Bell

The New York Jets may look for help at tight end in the NFL Draft and could find a potential impact player in Florida State’s Jaheim Bell.

Oct 21, 2023; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles tight end Jaheim Bell (6) / Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports

While the New York Jets may consider the receiver position as their top priority on offense heading into the upcoming NFL Draft, a mid-round tight end prospect may catch their eye based on his strong showing at the Scouting Combine.

Florida State tight end prospect Jaheim Bell is considered by many draft analysts to be a potential draft “diamond in the rough.” However, his 4.61 time running the 40-yard dash could raise his draft stock. 

Accordingly, it should put the former Seminole on the Jets’ draft radar. 

Mar 1, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida State tight end Jaheim Bell (TE03) at the NFL Scouting Combine. / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Having transferred from South Carolina prior to the 2023 season, Bell played well for Florida State last season. The 6-2, 241-pound tight end caught 39 passes for 503 yards and two touchdowns, while adding one rushing score. At his best, Bell is a physical player who has the capability of adding significant yardage after the catch. When possessing the ball, he demonstrates the quickness, route-running and athleticism to get open and be an effective weapon in the open field. As a result, he projects as a solid ‘Y’ tight end prospect at the pro level — especially for the Jets. 

New York’s 2023 passing game woes largely stemmed from poor quarterback play in the wake of starter Aaron Rodgers’ season-ending torn Achilles. Though receiver Garrett Wilson led the team with 95 catches for 1,042 yards and three touchdowns, veteran tight end Tyler Conklin added 61 catches for 621 yards. However, he was unable to find the end zone. In fact, the only touchdown scored by a tight end last season for the Jets came from reserve C.J. Uzomah during a 16-12 Week 10 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.

While Conklin is unlikely to be displaced as the team’s primary tight end — unless New York selects top positional prospect Brock Bowers at No. 10 overall — Bell could be a solid understudy, while gaining experience as an in-line blocker.