Strong safety Jamal Adams has been nothing less than outstanding in the Jets’ mini-camp. From calling out offensive plays before the snap to making NFL highlight caliber interceptions. His communication skills and intangibles are that of a seasoned veteran. Adams’ leadership skills showed up big time as he directed traffic and encouraged teammates. Free safety Marcus Maye joined Adams on the field giving the Jets a pair of rookie safeties. Maye is a ball hawk who moves well in space. The effective and reliable tackler has excellent lateral range and is always around the action. Smart and instinctive in deep coverage. He has big time ball skills and is sudden to read and react. ArDarius Stewart has been sidelined during OTAs with a thumb injury and two surgeries since joining the Jets. Stewart’s surgeries were on his thumb and groin. He has been taking mental reps in practice. He is acquainted with the West Coast offense having played in it at Alabama. Stewart looked quick and strong with good separation skills in rookie mini-camp. Caught the ball easily in his big strong hands. Chad Hansen missed some OTAs due to a hamstring issue and missed mandatory mini-camp with a sore left knee. He is expected to be ready to go by training camp. Jordan Leggett looks to fill the Jets’ opening at tight end with Austin Seferian-Jenkins being suspended for the first two games in 2017. Leggett was productive in college but has struggled at times in OTAs with drops. In the Jets’ new West Coast offense, the tight end has an integral part. Dylan Donahue looked quick in Jets’ rookie camp going around a tryout tackle for a pair of sacks. Donahue used a variety of moves to get to the quarterback. His intensity is infectious, but he will have to overcome size and arm length limitations. Combine numbers: 6025, 248, 4.75/40, 26/BP, 9-7/BJ, and 4.25/SS. Elijah McGuire, besides being a talented back, also got reps as a kick and punt returner during OTAs. His biggest contribution to the Jets may be the role he plays in the fall along with Matt Forte and Bilal Powell. McGuire may serve as a complement to the two productive backs. He has caught the ball well, showed good vision and cutting ability, plus he’s a student of the game. Jeremy Clark is a big corner who is coming off an ACL injury he suffered in the fourth game of 2016. He has a quick plant and drive burst to the ball for a big corner. Light feet and long arms to control a receiver in press coverage. A developmental talent. Combine numbers: 6031, 221, 20/BP. Derrick Jones moved well in OTAs and flashed some NFL skills for a player who has played corner for only two years. Jones is a raw talent who was drafted for his speed, athletic ability, and developmental potential. Pro day numbers: 6017, 189, 4.45/40, 41/VJ, 11-8/BJ, 4.42/SS, and 7.03/3 cone. GRADE: ABOVE AVERAGE.
FREE AGENCY: The Jets have been looking for a left tackle since D’Brickashaw Ferguson unexpectedly retired and they hope Kelvin Beachum can return to his Steeler playing form. Josh McCown was signed as a veteran presence and a starter in a room full of young quarterbacks. Others brought in during roster building include Morris Claiborne (CB) and Jonotthan Harrison (OC). Benjamin Ijalana (OT), Josh Martin (LB), Corey Lemonier (LB), Tanner Purdum (LS), and Chandler Catanzaro (PK) were all re-signed to Jet contracts.
NOTABLE UNDRAFTED COLLEGE FREE AGENTS: KD Cannon (Baylor) WR, Gabe Marks (Washington State) WR, Ben Braden (Michigan) OG, Javarius Leamon (South Carolina State) OT, Connor Harris (Lindenwood) FB, and Anthony Firkser (Harvard) H-back.
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