The New York Jets are in the midst of a lost 0-6 season as the situation stands. There have been very few bright spots on the roster but there is always excitement about young players, and especially rookies. Below is a look at how the Jets rookies are fairing and what to expect from them.
Draft Picks:
Mekhi Becton, 21, OT, Louisville
The 6-foot-7 365 pound monster that the Jets selected with their 11th overall pick in the draft has only played in four of the team’s six games. In those games, Becton has looked like a future star in this league despite just coming into the league. His ability to protect the blindside for the Jets is a bright spot in a lost season. He was seventh among all NFL tackles with a 94.% pass block protection win rate following his week three performance which is his last fully healthy game to this point. There aren’t many counting stats for offensive lineman but the eye test on Becton has certainly garnered rave reviews. The Jets may have a special player in Becton.
Denzel Mims, 23, WR, Baylor
The Jets came into the offseason with a gaping hole at the receiver and looked partially to the draft and rookies to fill out that position. One of the players that Joe Douglas brought on was 59th overall pick Mims. Unfortunately, the 6-foot-3 207-pound wide receiver has been missing in action all season with hamstring issues. Look for him to work his way into practice over the next few weeks.
Ashtyn Davis, 24, S, Cal
Before the Jamal Adams trade, the Jets pick of Davis looked fairly suspect. With that trade now in the past, Davis has had a chance at slightly more playing time even with the acquisition of Bradley McDougald in the Adams trade. Davis was highly regarded coming out of Cal and was not expected to slip into the third round and 68th overall for New York. Davis has played in four total games as a backup piece. He has two assisted tackles, one solo tackle, and also returned two kickoffs for a total of 43 yards. The Jets are likely going to ease him into duty and take the more precarious route with Davis’s Development
Jabari Zuniga, 23, DE, Florida
Has not seen action (INJ)
Lamical Perine, 22, RB, Florida
With the 120th pick, the Jets selected a star from Florida. Perine, the rookie running back from the Gators did not see much action before week six because Le’Veon Bell was the Jets feature back. Now that Bell is gone, Perine will have some time to shine barring the Jets continuing to throw out a struggling Frank Gore. Against the Dolphins, Gore had 15 touches while Perine only had 9, an improvement from his 13 total from weeks 1-5. For the season, Perine has 22 attempts for 83 yards. Look for Perine’s stats to improve as he gets more of an opportunity.
James Morgan, 23, QB, Florida International
Has not seen action
Cameron Clark, 22, OT UNC Charlotte
Has not seen action (INJ)
Bryce Hall, 22, CB, Virginia
Has not seen action (INJ)
Braden Mann, 22, P, Texas A&M
It is not common to see a team select a punter in the draft. That was not the case with the Jets when they saw that Texas A&M star Mann was on the board at pick 191. Mann has had some fabulous punts but his stats have not been aided by the Jets tackling woes. Mann has punted 35 times for 1,597 yards, averaging 45.6 yards per punt. He also has made two great highlight reel tackles. If the Jets offense continues their woes this season, Mann may end up playing an important role in keeping games within reach.
Undrafted Rookies:
Lamar Jackson, 22, CB, Nebraska
With the Jets banged up on defense, the Jets were able to bring up highly touted rookie cornerback Jackson, no not the MVP. In his three games with Gang Green, Jackson has nine total tackles, one pass deflection, and one tackle for a loss. This past week he was tasked with guarding Miami wide receiver Preston Williams which was a great learning experience for the talented corner. As Jackson learns the ropes in the NFL, expect him to become a mainstay on the Jets roster.
Bryce Huff, 22, DE, Memphis
The Jets made a big pickup on the undrafted free agent pool picking up the surprise free agent Bryce Huff, the 6-foot-3 255-pound defensive end has held his own in the NFL to this point. Through four games, Huff has three solo tackles, one assisted tackle, a tackle for a loss, a pass deflection, and a sack of Ryan Fitzpatrick this past week. Huff is explosive and has the makings of a quality lineman.
Javelin Guidry, 22, CB, Utah
Along with Lamar Jackson, the Jets also picked up another rookie cornerback to pair with the banged-up cornerback group. Guidry has only played in one game, compiling one assisted tackle. Expect to see some more of Guidry as the Jets sell off some veterans.
Lawrence Cager, 23, WR, Georgia
The Jets signed a few undrafted wide receivers. One was George Campbell and one is Cager. Due to all the Jets receiver injuries, Cager has cracked his way into the NFL and played in two games. Cager has been targeted four times, made two receptions for 35 yards, which is good for a 17.5-yard average. Keep an eye out for more action from Cager.
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