With the Jets rookie minicamp underway this week, they have confirmed 15 undrafted free agent signings to supplement new general manager Darren Mougey’s first draft class.
Head coach Aaron Glenn has implied that there are plenty of jobs up for grabs and that the status of any incumbent players is irrelevant to him, so anyone who steps up and turns heads over the summer could be in line for a role. Can any of the undrafted rookies earn a spot?
Let’s break down some of the potential contributors from this year’s signings:
Michigan RB Donovan Edwards
Edwards was easily the biggest name of the 15 announced by the Jets on Friday, as he was a big part of Michigan’s 2023 championship team. In the championship game, Edwards showcased his breakaway speed on 41 and 46-yard touchdown runs.
He ran a 4.44 and posted a 38.5-inch vertical at the scouting combine but it wasn’t enough to get him drafted, although NFL.com’s Chad Reuter had him rated as the top undrafted running back at the end of the draft.
While he was unable to beat out Blake Corum for a starting role in 2022 and 2023, or Kalel Mullings in 2024, Edwards was consistently productive in a rotational role, which is what he would be looking to earn with the Jets.
Missouri QB Brady Cook
Cook was the quarterback that first-round tackle Armand Membou spent most of his college career protecting and he passed for over 9,000 yards with 50 touchdown passes and another 21 touchdowns on the ground.
During his time at Mizzou, Cook was renowned for his grit and toughness with several clutch comebacks to his name, and good leadership traits. Reuter had him ranked third out of all the undrafted quarterbacks this year.
While the Jets would be hoping Cook won’t be needed this season — because that would likely only come about as a result of injury issues — he has a decent chance to be the number three with Adrian Martinez as his only current competition. Whether that would mean a spot on the 53 or just the practice squad remains to be seen.
South Alabama WR Jamaal Pritchett
For the second year in a row, Xavier Gipson may have to fend off a challenge from an undrafted rookie if he is to retain his role as the primary return specialist. Last year, he was outperformed by Brandon Codrington in preseason, but retained his job when Codrington was traded to Buffalo.
This year, Pritchett could give Gipson a run for his money – not just as a return man, but also as a slot receiver. He caught 91 passes for over 1,100 yards and nine touchdowns last season, while also averaging over 15 yards per punt return with one touchdown.
While Pritchett doesn’t have much kickoff return experience, that may not matter if the Jets intend to use Kene Nwangwu in that role anyway.
Ole Miss K Caden Davis
Greg Zuerlein had a rocky 2024 season and it’s arguably surprising he’s still on the team. The Jets could save money by releasing Zuerlein and going with a younger option, so Davis will be looking to prove he has what it takes.
Most analysts had Davis ranked in the top five available kickers in this year’s draft after he led the SEC in field goals and points scored by a kicker last season. He made 83 percent of his field goals in 2024 and 98 percent of his extra points in his career.
Fresno State S Dean Clark or Notre Dame S Jordan Clark
The safety position is arguably one where there could be a starting role up for grabs. Although they signed Andre Cisco, the Jets didn’t bring back Ashtyn Davis, Chuck Clark or Jalen Mills. That leaves Tony Adams as the projected other starter along with Cisco, but his place may not be secure after a midseason benching last year and the Jets may operate with three safeties on the field at times anyway. Could either of the Clarks compete for a role with fourth-round pick Malachi Moore?
Dean Clark is an excellent athlete who posted outstanding pro day numbers including a sub-4.5 in the 40-yard dash and elite explosiveness numbers. He was productive on the field too, racking up over 300 tackles in his career and leading the MAC in solo tackles with Kent State in 2021. Crucially, he also has some special teams abilities, with 10 tackles in kick coverage that same year.
Jordan Clark is the son of pro bowl safety Ryan Clark, so he has good pedigree. He was a cornerback for most of his college career but probably lacks the athleticism to play that position at the NFL level. He could be a versatile safety option though. Clark played a key role on the Notre Dame team that made it to the National Title Game last season as he played over 650 snaps.
Florida LB Ja’Markis Weston
Finally, Weston received a $200K salary guarantee from the Jets, which is a sure sign that they have every intention of retaining him on the practice squad, at least.
Weston is listed as a linebacker but only played 10 defensive snaps in his college career as he instead made his name on special teams. He’s 6-foot-3, 235 pounds and reportedly has 4.4 speed, although he only ran a 4.65 at his pro day. He was productive in a gunner role in college racking up seven tackles last season.
Gators head coach Billy Napier said at the start of last season that Weston “has an NFL future as a core special team player” and the Jets will be putting that to the test.
Read the full article here
