Since being selected by the Jets in the third round (No. 101 overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft, Ruckert has appeared in 41 games (15 starts), the majority over the past two seasons after an injury limited him to only 9 games his rookie year. He saw his most playing time (393 snaps; 37%) last season while catching 18 passes (6 first downs) for 105 yards. He has yet to catch a TD pass in the NFL.
“Right now I’m focused on being consistent, being a leader and winning that ‘C’ gap,” Ruckert said, referring to the space between the OT and the TE. “It’s a mindset. I believe that I can do it, and I believe that I can do anything they’re asking of me. So, the opportunities I get in the pass game, making those plays, which I’m feeling pretty good about right now. And just focusing on being dominant every down and winning that ‘C’ gap.”
After his career at LSU, Taylor is currently viewed more as a pass-catching tight end than a blocker, but Glenn sees Taylor (6-5, 251) and Ruckert (6-5, 250) as capable of playing varied roles.
“It’s natural for Mason because that’s all he’s really done for the most part,” Glenn said about Taylor’s pass-catching ability. “They asked him to do it at LSU. We will ask him to do more things, but I think today, again, you saw Jeremy, as far as the passing game, make some plays. I’m not going to put a cap on him and where he can be at, but I know exactly what I want him to be, and he’s doing a good job trying to practice that on a daily basis.”
Regardless of how his role shakes out this season, Ruckert says he’s ready.
“This is the best I’ve felt, mentally, physically, emotionally,” he said. “I’m excited about this season, excited about where we’re going,”