When you’re one of the NFL’s doormat franchises that hasn’t made the playoffs in a decade, it becomes a yearly exercise. Fans will review their favorite team’s roster during the offseason in search of any players who may have may have been overlooked in the previous season, but may steal a key role in the next time they take the field. There are a few players who fit that description with Gang Green, so let’s take a look.
OG Cam Clark:
Clark was injured for much of his rookie year but failed to see the field even when healthy. Taken in the fourth round (129th overall) of the 2020 draft, Clark is a player who many feel would eventually become a starting NFL guard. Coming out of Charlotte, Clark clearly faced inferior talent more often than not, but looked downright dominant against Clemson in a game that put him on the map. The Jets interior offensive line is in serious need of help but Joe Douglas has done nothing in free agency to add starting caliber offensive linemen which makes one wonder if he too views Clark as a starter with an eye on taking an additional interior lineman (or two) in the April draft.
RB Ty Johnson:
Despite playing behind what was one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL last season, Johnson still managed to average 4.6 yards per carry. There is plenty of talk about the Jets need for a running back and that’s a fair claim. However, is that need as dire as many seem to think it is if Johnson can come back and play with an improved supporting cast in 2021? The speedy back out of Maryland is quick to hit his spot and takes full advantage of his 4.4 speed and could see a big role for the Jets in 2021.
WR Jeff Smith:
Having been retained by Gang Green, Smith has now lasted multiple GM’s and head coaches after being added as an undrafted free agent just a couple of years ago out of Boston College. He may be the fastest player on the roster and looks comfortable running underneath routes. His skill set could be perfect for what the Jets are looking for in their new offense, but the former college QB is going to have to keep getting better if the Jets are going to look for him to be a guy who can be a speed merchant who creates mismatches which is something the offense is lacking. Much of the same could be said for Vyncint Smith who is more likely to work the boundary with Smith operating inside.
TE Trevon Wesco:
It’s no secret that the San Francisco 49ers relied heavily on fullback Kyle Juszczyk to lead the way in their running game and the Jets don’t have a traditional fullback on the roster. However, Wesco has had some very good moments as a blocking back and could fill that role while also checking in as an H-back/TE.
LB Sharif Finch:
The biggest long-shot on the list, Finch is primarily a special teamer who also looks the part as a situational pass rusher. After logging 8.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss in his final season at Temple, Finch caught on with the Tennessee Titans where he picked up just 3.5 sacks as a part time player in 3 seasons. However, his traits jump off the page as the 250 lb linebacker ran a 4.65 40 at his pro day to go along with an impressive 3-cone in 7 seconds. Finch has a very good shot to stick on specials, but will have plenty of work to do to show he deserves regular reps in passing situations.