New York Jets Draft Profile: Illinois 270-Pound Tight End Tip Reiman

The New York Jets may look for help at tight end during the mid-to-late rounds of the upcoming NFL Draft. They might find a potential impact player in Illinois’ Tip Reiman.

Sep 23, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini tight end Tip Reiman (89) / Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

While the New York Jets may consider offensive tackle and receiver their top priorities 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.

Illinois tight end prospect Tip Reiman is considered by many draft analysts to be a potential Day 3 “diamond in the rough.” Accordingly, it should put the former member of the Illini on the Jets’ draft radar.

At 6-5, 271 pounds, Reiman defines the term “sizable, yet developmental” talent. Having begun his college career as a walk-on, the Rapid City, South Dakota native worked his way into earning team captainship in 2023. Last season, he caught 19 passes for 203 yards and three touchdowns in 12 games for the Illini. He aligned on 340 pass snaps, 111 in the slot and 211 in-line — where he brought his greatest value as a blocker. For his efforts, he was given an overall grade of 60.1 by Pro Football Focus. 

Sep 23, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini tight end Tip Reiman (89) / Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

While Reiman possesses some potential as a situational, pass-catching “Y” tight end, his greatest impact at the pro level will be as a run blocker. His massive frame allows him to drive his blocks using leg strength from his first step to the point of initial contact. While his hand placement could use some development, his ability to take on double-teams and combo blocks should allow him to make an immediate impact while learning to block in space.

Currently projected as a Day 3 pick, Reiman has a blend of speed and strength which should keep him on New York’s draft board in the coming weeks. For a prospect of his size, he exhibits great athleticism and agility, as evidenced by his running the 40-yard dash in 4.64 seconds at last month’s NFL Scouting Combine.  

The Jets 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.

In the final analysis, Reiman may be a raw prospect. While Conklin is unlikely to be displaced as the team’s top option, he could be a solid understudy, while gaining experience as a situational pass-catcher.