WATCH: Ranking the Jets' tight end replacements in Chris Herndon's absence

With the Jets starting tight end out for the first four weeks of the season due to a suspension, we check in on the race for who'll get the nod in Week 1

There's a variety of options the New York Jets can go to at tight end while Chris Herndon (suspension) is out the first four games of the regular season. There's a lot of blocking-oriented tight ends behind Herndon, but they also have developing receiving options. They also have the versatility to be fullbacks if need be. But let's dive into the top candidates.

4. Eric Tomlinson 

Tomlinson may be the best blocking tight end but he's limited in the passing game. He had eight receptions for 72 yards last season. Tomlinson has seen the least amount of snaps this preseason among all tight ends. If Adam Gase uses run plays in double tight ends sets, there's an opportunity Tomlinson will be one of those tight ends to help with blocking. But in passing scenarios he'll be non-existent. There's a decent chance Tomlinson could be cut by the time the season starts.

3. Trevon Wesco

The rookie still has a long way to go but he’s versatile. He’s been used as a tight end and in the backfield throughout training camp. In his final season at West Virginia, Wesco caught 26 passes for 366 yards and 1 touchdown. He did catch a touchdown against the Falcons last week, but it was overturned because of a penalty. It’s tough to think that the Jets will start a rookie tight end on opening day, but with time Wesco can be a solid piece to Adam Gase’s offense.

2. Ryan Griffin

Griffin has the most NFL experience out of all the candidates. However, the six-year veteran is arguably the least athletic out of all the candidates. Last season for the Texans, Griffin had 24 receptions for 305 yards with no touchdowns. He’s ahead of the other candidates for now, but there’s a very good chance he could slip out of the lineup with Brown and Wesco having good training camps as of late.

1. Daniel Brown

For someone who didn’t catch a pass last season, Brown is having a great camp. Brown is a former wide receiver that spent last year developing more into a tight end. This offseason there’s been results, especially in the team’s last game against the Falcons where Brown led the tight end group in snaps (21). After that game he played very well in the Green & White scrimmage Sunday, receiving more snaps than Griffin and Wesco. He caught a few passes and still moves like a receiver. With his blocking improved and his unquestioned receiving ability, Brown should be the starter in Week 1.

In the end, the Jets have enough wide receivers to spread the ball. In the run game, all of the tight ends are solid blocking options. And if one of these tight ends perform well enough in Herndon's four game absence, they could carve out a role for themselves on offense even when Herndon comes back.