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The Jets class of undrafted free agents isn’t considered one of the league’s better lists, but here is a guy to keep an eye on.
First off, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Jets undrafted free agents don’t constitute a bumper crop.
When you have 12 draft picks, you aren’t the “land of opportunity” for undrafted free agents. Because the draft picks are going to have a leg-up on you.
If you were an undrafted free agent, would you sign with the Jets this year?
Probably not.
Last year, John Idzik kept every draft pick on the regular roster, including some that didn’t have good training camps. Last summer didn’t represent a meritocracy in Jets camp.
I’m not saying he’s going to keep all 12 draft picks, but let’s say he keeps seven. That is entire regular draft class.
The one guy who might have a chance to hang around, if Idzik lays out an even playing field, is San Diego State fullback Chad Young.
He is a 5-10, 240-pounder who is both a solid blocker and receiver. He’s a former walk-on who earned a scholarship, and turned into a fan favorite at SDSU.
As of right now, the only two fullbacks on the Jets’ roster are Tommy Bohanon and Young, so that fact right there alone, gives the former Aztec a chance.
There is very little difference in the skill-set and talents of Bohanon and Young.
Bohanon had his moments last year, but he must improve his consistency, not only at fullback, but in the wedge on kickoffs.
An issue for Bohanon, who is a great young man with terrific character, was indecisiveness on who to block – a split second delay that often led to bad results for the ball carrier, either on kickoffs or on offense.
Believe me, it wasn’t an intelligence issue. This is a smart guy – a Wake Forest graduate.
I think part of it was him being rushed into action before he was truly ready. Remember, he was named a starter from the get-go. There was a lot of that last year. I’m not being flip, just keeping it real.
It was a great learning experience for Bohanon last year – getting to start in 16 NFL games.
It could benefit him a great deal in Year Two.
If not, I would not be shocked if Young gives him a run for his money, unless the GM just anoints Bohanon the starting fullback without a competition.
There is no way the Jets are going to keep two fullbacks.
First of all, you have the “12 draft picks” factor. They are going to want to make room for as many of those guys are possible. So an extra fullback is a luxury they can’t afford.
But, also, they have a lot of talent at tight end – Jeff Cumberland, Jace Amaro, Zach Sudfeld, Chris Pantale and Colin Anderson (signed after the season – he was in Minnesota Vikings camp last summer).
What the Jets have done in the past is flex the tight end into the backfield like a fullback. Konrad Reuland did this a lot two years ago. This is one reason you only need one true tight end.
Another guy to consider in the tight end mix is sixth round wide receiver Quincy Enunwa, who could turn into an H-Back/tight end. He is 6-2, 225 pounds.
May 13, 2104
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