UDFA tackle turning heads at NY Jets training camp

Reporting from the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, NJ

Outside of the All-Pro in Quinnen Williams, the New York Jets have many questions surrounding their defensive tackle room.

Over the last few years, New York has chosen to pair Williams with cheap and efficient options. They haven’t focused their efforts on finding someone they could build into a star alongside the former third overall pick.

A new coaching staff won’t change that either. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks appear comfortable enough to rotate their other tackles along the roster.

An undrafted free agent, though, is starting to turn heads from the get-go.

UDFA Tackle Shocks Jets During Camp

Clemson defensive tackle Payton Page went through the entire seven-round 2025 draft without hearing his name called. The 22-year-old wasn’t deterred, though.

Instead, Page signed a UDFA deal with the Jets and has been competing for playing time ever since. For most of the offseason workout and training camp practices, Page was considered an afterthought.

That is all changing, though.

From dominant rushes, to multiple tackles for losses in practice, Page has quickly gone from an undervalued player to a standout at the start of training camp.

And he’s forced his coaching staff, including Wilks, to give him more opportunities.

“Everybody has to earn it, of course. We know Quinnen is there, but those other guys are grinding each day,” Wilks said. “I told you back in the spring, and thus far, Big J (Jay Tufele), he is showing out… (Payton) Page, the young rookie, they’re doing some great things inside.”

Page just recorded a half sack during his four-year college run. That isn’t exactly a great metric for any young defensive tackle, but the rookie has done enough to get more playing time in the near future.

Does that mean his spot on the 53-man roster is secure? Not quite.

As a UDFA, the Jets know that Page will have to continue looking like a standout during preseason games, and throughout camp practices. The more he plays well, the harder it will be to move on from.

The last few practices have been an excellent start for the Clemson rookie. But it is clear that there is plenty left to go for Page to show he’s worthy of staying around as an NFL player.