Written by Glenn Naughton
Jets GM Joe Douglas has received plenty of praise for his recent work in the NFL draft and rightfully so. From drafting both the offensive and defensive rookies of the year in Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner respectively, to potentially going a perfect 7-for-7 as a whole in that same class.
Douglas also landed a potential All-Pro offensive lineman in Elijah Vera-Tucker, one of the league’s best slot corners in Michael Carter while linebacker Jamien Sherwood appears poised for an increased role as he enters year three.
However, as is the case with any GM, Douglas has had his share of wasted picks, many of which came in his first ever class as WR Denzel Mims, Jabari Zuinga, La’Mical Perine, and James Morgan.
But there’s always middle ground between the hits and the misses. Guys who have flashed at times but have lacked the consistency to be viewed as a lock to make the roster. Those guys will enter the team’s exhibition season knowing that if they don’t stand out, they’ll be on the way out. A look at those Douglas picks who currently reside in roster purgatory. A list that will not include Zach Wilson as his roster spot is safe at this point.
S Ashtyn Davis: An ultra athletic safety whom the Jets expected to be able to cover a ton of ground and be a factor against the pass. Instead, Davis has been largely invisible in coverage while being a liability against the run. Davis will need to show immense improvement if he has any hopes of hanging around.
CB Bryce Hall: Hall went from playing 1,169 snaps in 2021 as a starter go just 15 snaps in 2022 after being leapfrogged by Brandin Echols. Hall has a chance to hang around if other young corners falter but don’t be surprised if the Jets shop him in hopes of picking up a day 3 pick for a young corner with some game experience.
LB Hamsah Nasirildeen: A college safety who was moved to linebacker along with Jamien Sherwood during their 2021 rookie season. Nasirildeen went from being handed the starting job right out of the gate, to being benched after roughly six quarters of football that year. Since that time he’s played only a handful of snaps on defense.
RB Michael Carter: We have little doubt that Carter can play, but the emergence of Bam Knight along with selecting Israel Abanikanda make the running back room awfully crowded. If Carter is on the outside looking in, it’s difficult to imagine the Jets not being able to get a day three draft pick for the former North Carolina product.
LB Jamien Sherwood: Sherwood is only on this list because he hasn’t proven much on the field, but it’s very clear that the team is happy with his progress which will lead to an increased role this season. Barring a catastrophic pre-season, Sherwood should not only make the roster but be a significant contributor.
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