Full Rundown on Jets UDFA Class; Who has a Shot to Stick?

[JetNation]

While NFL draft picks get all the attention following draft weekend,  undrafted free agents deserve some attention themselves as you can always expect somebody who didn’t get picked in April to be on the roster in September.  Who have the Jets added over the past few days that could be among those who hang around for the long term?

DE Deslin Alexandre:  The former Pittsburgh Panther joins teammates Carter Warren and Israel Abanikanda at 1 Jets drive.  The 6′ 4” 274 defensive end was solid against both the run and pass in college.  He’ll have a hard time making the Jets final roster with all of the work the team has done to beef up at edge, but don’t be surprised if Alexandre finds a home on the practice squad.

Have been raving about the players @Pitt_FB has up front since last season. Calijah Kancey (8), Deslin Alexandre (5) and SirVocea Dennis (7) are all going to play on Sundays and could see more than one of them becoming impact players. Jail break run stuff here vs Tennessee. pic.twitter.com/loKHe7DIxc

— Glenn Naughton (@JetsPicks) January 27, 2023

WR Jason Brownlee: The 6′ 2” 198lb Brownlee shows the ability to make big plays down the field fights for the football.  He averaged 16.2 yards per catch at Southern Miss last season to go along with 8 touchdowns.

Watch a few @SouthernMissFB games and you're bound to see WR Jason Brownlee make at least one highlight reel grab. Big play receiver who posted 16 TD's over past two seasons while averaging 15.9 YPC over the course of his college career. pic.twitter.com/LjxZ11rNwj

— Glenn Naughton (@JetsPicks) January 19, 2023

S Trey Dean: Dean seemed to be getting more buzz leading up to the draft last year when it looked as if he might be part of the 2022 class than he did this year.  The 6′ 3” Dean is a big body in the secondary who picked up 12 passes defended and an interception over his final two seasons at Florida.  Given the Jets need at the position, Dean could find himself on the roster at some point this season.  For more on Dean, check out our interview with Scott Carter who covers the Gators right here.

ILB Caleb Johnson: Linebacker is a spot where the Jets went heavy in this UDFA class and Johnson was one of the first announced.  The UCLA transfer totalled 93 tackles (4 for loss) and 1.5 sacks over his final two collegiate seasons.

Jets loaded up at LB with their UDFA class including Miami (UCLA transfer) Caleb Johnson. The 6' 1'' 230 lb Johnson played almost exclusively in the box for the Hurricanes where he picked up 48 tackles and 1.5 sacks last season. pic.twitter.com/NgVIL1CZrx

— Glenn Naughton (@AceFan23) May 2, 2023

LB Maalik Hall: A small school product out of Southeastern Oklahoma State, Hall dominated last season in picking up 77 tackles (11.5 for loss) and 8 sacks.  It should come as no surprise to Jets fans that Hall is yet another athletic freak if we take a look at his pro day numbers.  Hall reportedly ran a 4.42 40 to go along with an impressive 38.5” vertical.

LB Claudin Cherelus: Another linebacker, the 6′ 2” Cherelus out of Alcorn State plays with a great motor and shows good fundamentals as a tackler.  Chrelus ran a 4.45 40 at his pro day to go along with a 38” vertical.

@nyjets UDFA LBer Claudin Cherelus looked like an absolute monster in this game vs Prairie View. Logged 15 tackles (8 solo), 1.5 TFL's and 1 sack. The @AlcornStateFB product is one of many 'backers the Jets added from the UDFA pool. pic.twitter.com/uXYJChCOlr

— Glenn Naughton (@AceFan23) May 1, 2023

RB Travis Dye: Dye put up monster numbers at Oregon in 2021 before transferring to USC where his season was cut short due to injurt.  He logged over 1,200 yards on the ground an sixteen rushing TD’s with the Ducks before logging 884 yards last season.  Dye can also catch the ball out of the backfield and consistently pick up the blitz.

DB Kahlef Hailassie: Kahlef Hailassie out of Western Kentucky looks like a solid press corner and more than willing tackler at Western Kentucky.

Such great recognition and speed to get to this football by Kahlef Hailassie at the @ShrineBowl pic.twitter.com/LOpLzCJclX

— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) February 3, 2023

WR TJ Luther: A wideout and return  man, Luther is another small school product out of Garnder-Webb.  Multiple outlets reported that the Jets had to outbid several other clubs to get Luther signed.

WR Xavier Gipson: Gipson is a slot receiver out of Stephen F Austin whose combination of explosiveness and agility give him a chance to hang around for a while.  The speedy receiver is a threat to make a big play in the open field and tough to track down once he begins to separate.

The @nyjets added Xavier Gipson out of @SFA_Football who will work as a slot receiver. Gipson checks in at 5' 9'' and shows quick feet and acceleration that allows him to create after the catch. https://t.co/5QXeUbrWpY pic.twitter.com/sx5ghEN4B9

— Glenn Naughton (@AceFan23) May 1, 2023

TE EJ Jenkins: Having drafted Zack Kuntz and added him to a TE room that already includes Tyler Conklin and CJ Uzoman, Jenkins is likely a practice squad candidate at best, but has sown good size and excellent hands at the position.  While Jets fans have been impressed by the workout numbers posted by Kuntz, Jenkins was no slouch himself.  The 6′ 6” pass catcher ran in the 4.5’s at his pro day while turning in a broad jump of 10′ 2”.

Saw some great hands from Georgia Tech WR/TE EJ Jenkins this season who is reportedly signing with the @nyjets. pic.twitter.com/0QYEdixU6j

— Glenn Naughton (@AceFan23) April 30, 2023

OL Brent Laing: A small school product out of Duluth, there’s not a lot of football to be found on Laing but the consensus appears to be that of an interior lineman who has a lot to prove.  After dominating at the lower collegiate levels, Laing will find out how well he holds up against NFL talent.

 

 

 

 

 

The post Full Rundown on Jets UDFA Class; Who has a Shot to Stick? appeared first on JetNation.com (NY Jets Blog & Forum).

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[AFJF]

Dude is a monster.  Project player but 6' 6'', over 10' broad jump and running in the 4.5-4.6 range?  Worth a flier.

 

 

 

[SickJetFan]

Full run down?  you sure about that?  look again

[ElBarrioJets]

It feels like Xavier Gipson has a fantastic chance to make the team given our lack of a slot receivers and return ability. 

[Marshmello]

 

[32EBoozer]

7 hours ago, Marshmello said:

 

That amount of coin shows you how badly they need to find a FS! Add to that the JB-C in the 6th and JD is looking to find the cheap answer. There were missed opportunities in the Draft in Mt estimation. Hopefully, one of these guys steps up or we wait for camp cuts

[mrcoops]

The Jets seem to be placing more emphasis (and paying more money) to bring in desired UDFAs this year. Several guys have guarantees of around $100k, which is unprecedented for Jets' UDFAs.

The lower number of picks we had this year is probably a factor, but it's encouraging to see UDFAs that were being courted by other teams choosing to become Jets.

Of the guys signed, I think the emphasis on LBs and WRs shows that the Jets feel those are spots where the UDFA guys could make an impact.  Each of the WRs signed, and each of the LBs, seem like solid prospect with a chance to stick in some capacity. The CB Hailassie seems like a nice prospect, and I think the DL Alexandre has the talent to stick around as a developmental DT/DE tweener, even at a deep position for the Jets.

[Marshmello]

 

[Beerfish]

At least one if not two of the wrs will be a huge surprise.  (One of the reasons I did not like the cobb signing.)

I bet Mims gets the axe when all is said and done.

Camp and pre season should be very competitive.

[JETS SB]

Wtf - How does JN let whoever this is, write for them? Another trash “full rundown” of the UDFA class. Leaving out probably the one guy that can make the team at a position of need, Marquis Waters - Safety. Plus several others. 
 

But hey, enjoy the full rundown. Terrible. 

[JETS SB]

On 5/2/2023 at 2:32 PM, ElBarrioJets said:

It feels like Xavier Gipson has a fantastic chance to make the team given our lack of a slot receivers and return ability. 

Agreed. 

[AFJF]

6 hours ago, JETS SB said:

Wtf - How does JN let whoever this is, write for them? Another trash “full rundown” of the UDFA class. Leaving out probably the one guy that can make the team at a position of need, Marquis Waters - Safety. Plus several others. 
 

But hey, enjoy the full rundown. Terrible. 

It was a full rundown of the names put out there by the media as the article was being written.  Teams don't put out an official list of UDFAs.  It's a smattering of reporters and random outlets dropping names.  In fact, I usually remember to say within the article that changes and updates are likely to come.  I did forget to do that this year and completely forgot how enraged some random Karen would become as a result.  I'll see if I can find you the manager so you can have a word.

I said on the JN podcast after writing it that there were some additional names that would be added or have their own article.

And Waters ahs the potential to be much more than a safety.  He played all over the field at Texas Tech last season with significant reps at OLB, ILB, slot, S and a handful at CB.

 

Edited May 5, 2023 by AFJF

[AFJF]

7 hours ago, Marshmello said:

 

Brownlee was one of the guys I'd said immediately after the draft that I'd hoped they'd bring in.  Glad he got the call.

Now he has to see if he can steal a roster spot but it won't be easy.  I'd imagine Gipson has a leg up given his quickness out of the slot and KR ability.

[docdhc]

1 hour ago, AFJF said:

It was a full rundown of the names put out there by the media as the article was being written.  Teams don't put out an official list of UDFAs.  It's a smattering of reporters and random outlets dropping names.  In fact, I usually remember to say within the article that changes and updates are likely to come.  I did forget to do that this year and completely forgot how enraged some random Karen would become as a result.  I'll see if I can find you the manager so you can have a word.

I said on the JN podcast after writing it that there were some additional names that would be added or have their own article.

And Waters ahs the potential to be much more than a safety.  He played all over the field at Texas Tech last season with significant reps at OLB, ILB, slot, S and a handful at CB.

 

I hope these guys don’t bother you. Thank you for the reporting which I’m sure you’re not getting rich by doing. You gave more information out than any other source out there on this and I appreciate it. 

[Dunnie]

People complaining about some guy part time writing for a fan powered website is pretty funny to me.   Like ... dude ... for realz ?

[ElBarrioJets]

7 hours ago, JETS SB said:

Wtf - How does JN let whoever this is, write for them? Another trash “full rundown” of the UDFA class. Leaving out probably the one guy that can make the team at a position of need, Marquis Waters - Safety. Plus several others. 
 

But hey, enjoy the full rundown. Terrible. 

Lol so write a better one and stop being a bitch about a blog post.

[AFJF]

On 5/5/2023 at 6:42 AM, docdhc said:

I hope these guys don’t bother you. Thank you for the reporting which I’m sure you’re not getting rich by doing. You gave more information out than any other source out there on this and I appreciate it. 

Much appreciated.

The comments didn't bother me.  Having people rip you for putting an opinion out there in an article is to be expected. But in all honesty, the fact that it came from a totally random person who I'm not sure I've ever noticed on here before did bother me a little bit.

Like being at a party with people you like and some stranger walks in the door and tells you the buffet sucks.   

 

Edited May 9, 2023 by Maxman
image removed

[AFJF]

As promised on the JN podcast the other day, the appropriate updates to the article have been made @JETS SB.  I do hope they are to your liking.

 

Full Rundown on Jets UDFA Class; Who has a Shot to Stick? (jetnation.com)

Edited May 5, 2023 by AFJF

[CTJetsFan]

I thought I had read the reason why Dean went undrafted is because he has a hip injury that may require surgery. Found this:

Florida safety Trey Dean had an underwhelming performance at the NFL Combine, completing the 40-yard dash in 4.75 seconds. 

Dean finished the NFL Combine with the slowest time among safeties in the 40-yard dash. He was also second-to-last in the 10-second split.

On Saturday afternoon, Dean revealed that he battled through a significant hip injury at the NFL Combine.

"I Had 2 Labral hip tears in both of my hips and I still ran the 40 can’t question my love for the game see y'all March 30th I’ll Be Back Soon GODs plan #NoExcuses," Dean tweeted.

[CTJetsFan]

Also found this regarding Dean

https://247sports.com/college/florida/Article/Florida-football-Trey-Dean-UF-Pro-Day-NFL-Draft-Gators-Billy-Napier-Jets-Bucs-Packers-207609677/

Looking to solidify his spot in the upcoming NFL Draft, Dean has opted to battle through his injury – an ailment that more than likely will require surgery, and an extensive recovery period, for Dean to fully recover.

[AFJF]

34 minutes ago, CTJetsFan said:

I thought I had read the reason why Dean went undrafted is because he has a hip injury that may require surgery. Found this:

Florida safety Trey Dean had an underwhelming performance at the NFL Combine, completing the 40-yard dash in 4.75 seconds. 

Dean finished the NFL Combine with the slowest time among safeties in the 40-yard dash. He was also second-to-last in the 10-second split.

On Saturday afternoon, Dean revealed that he battled through a significant hip injury at the NFL Combine.

"I Had 2 Labral hip tears in both of my hips and I still ran the 40 can’t question my love for the game see y'all March 30th I’ll Be Back Soon GODs plan #NoExcuses," Dean tweeted.

Makes sense.  As I said on the pod wrapping up the draft, I didn't expect a great 40 out of Dean but 4.75 was worse than I thought.

[RJIII]

MUDDY WATERS - S, CB , LB (Can play each position)

[Marshmello]

https://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/91905/jets-sauce-gardner-eager-for-aaron-rodgers-to-share-secret-gems

 

6. Name to watch: The Jets didn't draft any receivers, but they signed an undrafted free agent and paid him like a draftee.

Southern Mississippi's Jason Brownlee is receiving a $246,000 guarantee -- equivalent to a low fifth-round selection. Clearly, the Jets see potential. Brownlee is 6-foot-2 with a 40-inch vertical jump. He caught 55 passes for 891 yards (16.2 average) and eight touchdowns last season.

[jgb]

On 5/5/2023 at 5:47 AM, JETS SB said:

Wtf - How does JN let whoever this is, write for them? Another trash “full rundown” of the UDFA class. Leaving out probably the one guy that can make the team at a position of need, Marquis Waters - Safety. Plus several others. 
 

But hey, enjoy the full rundown. Terrible. 

At work we push a “speak up” culture where people should be free to express their views. However, I preach there is a difference between “constructive” and “destructive” complaining. You’re being a net-negative to the conversation. 

[Jimmy 2 Times]

On 5/2/2023 at 1:09 PM, AFJF said:

Dude is a monster.  Project player but 6' 6'', over 10' broad jump and running in the 4.5-4.6 range?  Worth a flier.

 

 

 

The Tight End room is stacked with potential right now.  I still expect Ruckert to be the number one guy as early as 2024 with these other two beasts filling in. 

[Jimmy 2 Times]

On 5/5/2023 at 6:01 AM, AFJF said:

Much appreciated.

The comments didn't bother me.  Having people rip you for putting an opinion out there in an article is to be expected. But in all honesty, the fact that it came from a totally random person who I'm not sure I've ever noticed on here before did bother me a little bit.

Like being at a party with people you like and some stranger walks in the door and tells you the buffet sucks.   

I had the guy on ignore, but couldn't remember why.  I think he was posting picks early in the draft thread so he probably has a vendetta against being scolded. 

[Jimmy 2 Times]

On 5/4/2023 at 10:20 PM, Marshmello said:

 

 

I LOVE that they're being aggressive with the un-drafted free agents.  Reminds me of MLB with the international kids a few years ago.  

 

One question I don't know is: do these contracts count against the cap or did JD exploit a loop hole trying to add talent?  

Maybe they only count if the player makes the roster?

imo, its worth the gamble if so. 

[thebuzzardman]

On 5/5/2023 at 12:02 PM, RJIII said:

MUDDY WATERS - S, CB , LB (Can play each position)

 

[JohnnyLV]

3 hours ago, Jimmy 2 Times said:

 

I LOVE that they're being aggressive with the un-drafted free agents.  Reminds me of MLB with the international kids a few years ago.  

 

One question I don't know is: do these contracts count against the cap or did JD exploit a loop hole trying to add talent?  

Maybe they only count if the player makes the roster?

imo, its worth the gamble if so. 

The cap is based upon a certain number of your top salaries  I believe it's around 40 something right now, and that number increases and the allowable roster size decreases until you get to the final 53

[jgb]

6 hours ago, Jimmy 2 Times said:

 

I LOVE that they're being aggressive with the un-drafted free agents.  Reminds me of MLB with the international kids a few years ago.  

 

One question I don't know is: do these contracts count against the cap or did JD exploit a loop hole trying to add talent?  

Maybe they only count if the player makes the roster?

imo, its worth the gamble if so. 

Worrying about the cap hit of UDFAs. We have officially jumped the shark.

@Barry McCockinner

[Jimmy 2 Times]

6 hours ago, jgb said:

Worrying about the cap hit of UDFAs. We have officially jumped the shark.

@Barry McCockinner

I wasn’t worried about the hit, I was wondering if JD found a loop hole.

[jgb]

1 hour ago, Jimmy 2 Times said:

I wasn’t worried about the hit, I was wondering if JD found a loop hole.

[AFJF]

As we tend to see every year, a player reportedly going to a team decides to go elsewhere before signing on the dotted line.  This year it's WKU DB Khalef Hailassie. 

[Ecuadorian Jet]

On 5/4/2023 at 10:37 PM, Beerfish said:

At least one if not two of the wrs will be a huge surprise.  (One of the reasons I did not like the cobb signing.)

I bet Mims gets the axe when all is said and done.

Camp and pre season should be very competitive.

I would love to see a lot of Wilson to Mims action in preseason, so we can deal at least one of those in a trade.

[Ecuadorian Jet]

On 5/3/2023 at 4:55 AM, 32EBoozer said:

That amount of coin shows you how badly they need to find a FS! Add to that the JB-C in the 6th and JD is looking to find the cheap answer. There were missed opportunities in the Draft in Mt estimation. Hopefully, one of these guys steps up or we wait for camp cuts

I thought it was a weak / not deep class at safety.