Will These Undrafted Long Shots Stick on the Jets’ Final 53?

[JetNation]

By Clayton Smarslok

Being undrafted means you were passed over by all 32 NFL teams at least four times and sometimes as many as twelve times. But that isn’t to say that you don’t have a shot to make it at the next level. The Jets can just look at all of the great careers, even in our own back yard with Wayne Chrebet, Victor Green and more recently Robby Anderson. These players are playing with a chip on their shoulder more than they ever have, to prove the doubters wrong, and that’s what makes them so interesting.

Here is the list of undrafted free agents who have been added at various times since the NFL draft came to a close, with some already having been sent packing:

DE Darrian Bass, Missouri Western

HB Vic Enwere, California

FB Dimitri Flowers, Oklahoma

OL Austin Golson, Auburn

HB Ryan Green, Florida State

OL Darius James, Auburn

DL Nifae Lealao, Vanderbilt

LB Frankie Luvu, Washington State

K Canon Rooker, Middle Tennessee State

OL Dakoda Shepley, British Columbia

DL Mych Thomas, Texas Tech

WR Jonah Trinnamin, BYU

LB Tre Williams, Auburn

LB Anthony Wint, Florida International

As one would expect, after taking a closer look at each player, it seems it will be really tough for most to find a permanent spot with Gang Green. Nevertheless, Let’s highlight those players who have even the slimmest of chances of cracking the final 53 man roster come August.

FB Dimitri Flowers, Oklahoma:

Let’s start with the obvious. Flowers is the biggest name to sign with the Jets post draft and has the easiest path to making the team. The Jets have made it known that they want to use a fullback and the only other one on the roster was last year’s starter and former defensive lineman, Lawrence Thomas.

Thomas shined mostly because the #97 on the back of his jersey rather than his performance. Flowers on the other hand, is actually a true fullback and then some. During his time at Oklahoma, Flowers was multi-dimensional, showing versatility as a good blocker, a solid pass catcher from a multitude of positions and a capable runner at times. Barring any unexpected mishaps on his part this summer, one would expect Flowers to have a very good chance of making the roster and getting real playing time on offense.

OL Austin Golson, Auburn:

The big man from Auburn will have a tough time making this roster with pretty solid depth all across the offensive line. However, there is one thing that is in Golson’s favor and that is his versatility.

He has experience playing all five positions, starting at four of the five just this past season for the Tigers. He is a tough lineman who lacks the ideal athleticism you would normally look for in an NFL lineman, but often his smarts have bailed him out. As previously mentioned, the roster already has good depth with Ben Ijalana, Brent Qvale, Jonotthan Harrison, Travis Swanson and Dakota Dozier; each of whom have starting experience in the NFL. Not to mention, the Jets added 2017 3rd rounder Antonio Garcia after being let go by New England. In reality, what it comes down to for Golson is whether or not the Jets want to save a couple extra bucks. Even if the 53 man roster isn’t in the cards for Golson, he will be a candidate to make the practice squad when it’s all said and done.

 

LB Tre Williams, Auburn:

Another player from the SEC West Champions. Williams is an undersized, high intensity, hard-hitting LB who should get an opportunity to make a roster, but more likely for a spot on special teams than anything else. The Jets have revamped their LB position this offseason signing Avery Williamson, Kevin Pierre-Louis and Kevin Minter to go along with Darron Lee, so snaps during the summer will be few and far between. With those four already on the roster, it will be tough to take one of their spots just for a special teams position. Ever since Mike Westhoff left after the 2012 season, the Jets’ special teams play has been horrid. So if Williams shows his worth in training camp, maybe Todd Bowles and Mike Maccagnan would be willing to sacrifice either Pierre-Louis or possibly even Minter, if it offers a significant upgrade on special teams. It’s another long shot for Williams, as Minter would likely be the backup MIKE linebacker, but it’s not something you could completely rule out.

With limited media access to OTA’s, any updates on how things are going for any of the Jets undrafted free agents will be few and far between, but when they do start coming in, these are a few guys to keep an ear out for.

The post Will These Undrafted Long Shots Stick on the Jets’ Final 53? appeared first on NY Jets News.

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[HessStation]

Flowers is a guy, if it's 1996, probably gets drafted in the 5th round. I really like Williams and Luvu fwiw, maybe one of them makes the roster.

[Jetster]

1 hour ago, HessStation said:

Flowers is a guy, if it's 1996, probably gets drafted in the 5th round. I really like Williams and Luvu fwiw, maybe one of them makes the roster.

Jets need to find an edge Rusher, maybe Luvu can shine in that role on 3rd downs? If Dylan Donahue is sober he might surprise, tough to be at 100% if your drinking all the time. He might show up to camp in the best shape of his life.

[HessStation]

6 minutes ago, Jetster said:

Jets need to find an edge Rusher, maybe Luvu can shine in that role on 3rd downs? If Dylan Donahue is sober he might surprise, tough to be at 100% if your drinking all the time. He might show up to camp in the best shape of his life.

I don't think Donahue, on his best roid day, is going to be much of an edge factor in the NFL, but you never know. 

[Jetster]

1 hour ago, HessStation said:

I don't think Donahue, on his best roid day, is going to be much of an edge factor in the NFL, but you never know. 

Hopefully someone rises, because if this defense can pressure from the edge with Johnson & Clairborne locking up the corners & Adams & Maye patrolling in their sophomore seasons, a revamped LB core, Jets really have a chance at having a good defense.

[Maxman]

4 hours ago, HessStation said:

I don't think Donahue, on his best roid day, is going to be much of an edge factor in the NFL, but you never know. 

I just don't see it happening for him either.

[varjet]

6 hours ago, Maxman said:

I just don't see it happening for him either.

Terrible use of a draft pick, from many perspectives. 

[New York Mick]

Outside of Flowers I doubt any of those guys see playing time. Maybe ST but that’s pretty much all you can ask for from a UDFA. 

[Thai Jet]

12 hours ago, Jetster said:

Hopefully someone rises, because if this defense can pressure from the edge with Johnson & Clairborne locking up the corners & Adams & Maye patrolling in their sophomore seasons, a revamped LB core, Jets really have a chance at having a good defense.

I'd love to see some of these UDFA's make it. I'm always rooting for the underdog. That's why I'm a Jets fan.

[Jetsplayer21]

You always take a flyer on those guys.. it’s just not realistic.. we need to draft a stud OL or pass rusher with first round pick next yr.. regardless if a dam DL is BPA ?

[BurnleyJet]

Luvu and Flowers.

[Mavericknyc1980]

Anthony Wint

[Jetsplayer21]

15 hours ago, Jetster said:

Jets need to find an edge Rusher, maybe Luvu can shine in that role on 3rd downs? If Dylan Donahue is sober he might surprise, tough to be at 100% if your drinking all the time. He might show up to camp in the best shape of his life.

Unless we are picking top 5 again mac will never draft 1.. Everyone reaches for pass rushers, except mac. But rest assured, those teams that reach will leave mac a DT or box safety ?‍♂️?

[Thai Jet]

8 hours ago, Jetsplayer21 said:

You always take a flyer on those guys.. it’s just not realistic.. we need to draft a stud OL or pass rusher with first round pick next yr.. regardless if a dam DL is BPA ?

No doubt but checking out some of these UDFA can't hurt. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while.

[Thai Jet]

8 hours ago, BurnleyJet said:

Luvu and Flowers.

From what it said Flowers has an excellent chance of sticking on the roster.

[Jetsplayer21]

51 minutes ago, Thai Jet said:

No doubt but checking out some of these UDFA can't hurt. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while.

100% agree. I’m just pointing out only addressing the OL in 5th rounds and beyond, is not acceptable yr in yr out. Especially now that we have a qb we really want to protect. No I’m not talking about josh lol

[Larz]

Wint may have a chance 

[Thai Jet]

2 hours ago, Jetsplayer21 said:

100% agree. I’m just pointing out only addressing the OL in 5th rounds and beyond, is not acceptable yr in yr out. Especially now that we have a qb we really want to protect. No I’m not talking about josh lol

OH SO JOSH DOESN'T WARRANT PROTECTION ? lol  Agreed we HAVE to get some decent talent up front and that's NOT happening in the 5th round and beyond. Look at Brick and Mangold. Draft them high in the draft and you're set for years.