To be clear, you will not need to recheck your bags. They should be tagged at TXL all the way through to LAX. At JFK, you will simply claim your bag, carry it through Customs and then drop it at bag drop. No need to wait in line for bag drop.
This might be a technical distinction, but to me this procedure has always been explained as "rechecking".
One thing that is good to point out about the details though is: The stickers with your final destination will be still on the bag, and should be left there, because they will be used to make sure your bag gets to the right destination. It's just a drop-off indeed.
It brings up the question for me though: suppose you miss/fear you'll miss your connecting flight? Just drop it off and trust the airline to reconcile you? Or get yourself rebooked first and drop it off with new stickers?