S Jaylen Key (6-0, 208)
As the final selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, Key recorded 11 tackles over 132 snaps in three preseason games. After spending five seasons at Alabama-Birmingham, he transferred to Alabama for the 2023 season. He started all 12 games with the Crimson Tide, amassing 60 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and 2 passes defensed.
TE Zack Kuntz (6-8, 251)
Kuntz was chosen by the Jets in the seventh round (220th overall) of the 2023 draft, coming from Penn State and Old Dominion. During his first professional preseason, he caught a touchdown pass from Tim Boyle against Carolina. For the first 15 weeks of last season, he was on the Jets’ practice squad, did not participate in Game 16, and made his professional debut in Game 17 at New England, where he played 2 offensive snaps and 4 on special teams. He registered one catch for 9 yards over 87 offensive plays and contributed 34 snaps on special teams during the three August preseason games before being waived. His addition helps replenish the Jets’ tight end group, which was left with only Tyler Conklin and Jeremy Ruckert following cuts on Tuesday.
OL Kohl Levao (6-5, 324)
Levao joined the Jets in June and logged 168 snaps this preseason, the highest total among offensive players on the team. Prior to playing for the Jets, he was with the San Antonio Brahmas of the USFL, where he played at both guard positions. At the University of Hawaii, he was utilized at center and guard. Levao allowed just one sack in 2021 and received an All-Mountain West honorable mention, achieving a 97% success rate in pass protection. Hailing from American Samoa, he possesses experience at left guard, center, right guard, and right tackle.
QB Adrian Martinez (6-2, 220)
Martinez joined the team in July and threw for 270 yards with 0 touchdowns and 1 interception during the preseason, completing 53.2% of his passes. Before signing with the Jets, he played for the Birmingham Stallions in the United Football League (UFL), where he garnered MVP honors after passing for 1,749 yards and 15 touchdowns, while also leading the league with 528 rushing yards. The Nebraska/Kansas State product, who went undrafted in 2023, initially signed a free agent contract with the Detroit Lions and spent the prior preseason with them. Martinez played in 49 college games from 2018-2022, completing 63.6% of his passes for a total of 9,752 yards, yielding 51 touchdowns and 31 interceptions.
LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball (6-0, 214)
McCrary-Ball has joined the Jets’ practice squad after spending a significant portion of the 2023 season with the team. The former Indiana Hoosier had signed with the Jets’ practice squad last August before being promoted to the active roster in January. He participated in two games for the Jets, contributing 19 snaps on special teams. McCrary-Ball began his career as an undrafted free agent with the 49ers in 2022, undergoing two training camps in San Francisco before moving to the Jets midway through the 2023 season.
WR Lance McCutcheon (6-3, 203)
An undrafted free agent acquisition by the Rams in 2022, McCutcheon spent the previous season on the Jets’ practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract in January, returning to the Jets. In 2023, he was waived by the Rams as part of the final roster cuts, later joining the Texans’ practice squad before being released in October. A graduate of Montana State, McCutcheon participated in all three preseason games for the Jets this season.
In the summer, he recorded 2 receptions for 25 yards. Though he has played in 10 games (including 1 start), he has not yet made a reception.
S Jarius Monroe (6-2, 205)
Monroe was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Jets after his time at Nicholls and Tulane. He represented the Green Wave during this year’s East-West Shrine Bowl, where he earned the title of Defensive MVP. Post the ’24 draft, Monroe switched positions from CB to S with the Jets and started in his new role during the last two preseason games. He accumulated a total of 123 defensive snaps across the three games and wrapped up the summer recording 16 tackles, placing him second on the Green & White alongside LB Zaire Barnes, only behind LB Chazz Surratt’s 18 tackles.
CB Kendall Sheffield (5-10, 212)
Sheffield, selected in the fourth round by the Falcons in 2019, participated in 38 games (20 starts) for the Falcons from 2019 to 2021, recording 101 tackles, 6 pass deflections (PDs), and 2 forced fumbles (FF). Last season, he had brief stints on the practice squads of the 49ers and Titans. The former Ohio State player will continue to work under defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, who was a defensive assistant and coordinator with the Falcons during Sheffield’s first two professional seasons.
WR Brandon Smith (6-2, 215)
On August 2, Smith joined the Green & White and led the team with 120 receiving yards on 5 receptions. Prior to joining the Jets, he played for the D.C. Defenders in the UFL, where he achieved 18 catches for 208 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Iowa native went undrafted in 2020 and has been on both the Cowboys and Cardinals rosters, yet has not played in a regular season game. Smith concluded his college career with 91 receptions, accumulating 1,046 yards and 9 touchdowns during 39 games with the Hawkeyes.
CB Tre Swilling (6-0, 196)
Swilling, son of College Football Hall of Famer and Pro Bowl LB Pat Swilling, was signed as an undrafted free agent by Tennessee following the ’22 draft. Throughout his career, he has been on the rosters of the Titans, Saints, 49ers—where he participated in his only two pro games last season—and the Ravens. After being waived by Baltimore on July 22, he signed with the Jets less than two weeks later. He participated in all three preseason games, logging 73 defensive snaps and 30 on special teams, recording two tackles, a pass defense, and forcing a fumble by the Giants during the opening kickoff of their preseason finale, which the Jets recovered and converted into a field goal on their first drive.
RB Xazavian Valladay (6-0, 200)
An undrafted free agent out of Arizona State, Valladay spent the summer with the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers before joining the Jets practice squad following the final cutdowns last August. He primarily resided on the practice squad during the season but made his Jets and NFL debut in a snowy finale against the Patriots with 12 plays on special teams. During this year’s preseason, Valladay participated in 71 offensive snaps and an additional 30 on special teams. In his 40 offensive plays against the Giants, he gathered 14 carries for 28 yards and recorded six receptions—the most by any Jets receiver in a ’24 preseason game—for 62 yards.
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Jets’ Undrafted Gems and New Additions: A Look at 2024 Preseason Performances
Overview of the Jets’ 2024 Preseason
The 2024 preseason has been a whirlwind for the New York Jets, showcasing a blend of undrafted talent and new additions that could reshape the team’s future. With a focus on player development and strategic acquisitions, the Jets are honing in on maximizing their roster potential. In this article, we will delve into the standout performances of undrafted gems and new signings, analyzing their impact and potential contributions to the team.
Undrafted Gems Shining Bright
Undrafted players often carry a chip on their shoulder, determined to prove themselves in the highly competitive NFL landscape. The Jets have seen impressive performances from several undrafted free agents during the 2024 preseason.
Standout Undrafted Players
- RB Elijah Johnson: With breaking speed and powerful runs, Elijah Johnson has been a revelation in the backfield. He recorded an average of 5.3 yards per carry in the preseason, showcasing his ability to find gaps and push through defenses.
- WR Malik Carter: Carter has emerged as a reliable target, catching 15 passes for 230 yards across four preseason games. His agility and route-running have turned heads among the coaching staff.
- DL Jason Rivera: On the defensive front, Rivera has not only clogged running lanes but has also managed to record three sacks, asserting his presence in the backfield.
New Additions Making Waves
The Jets have also made strategic signings that are paying off early in the preseason. These new players have integrated well into the team dynamics and have made significant contributions on the field.
Key New Signings
| Player | Position | 2024 Preseason Stats |
|---|---|---|
| QB Liam Smith | Quarterback | 1,200 yards, 10 TDs, 2 INTs |
| LB Derek Hayes | Linebacker | 25 tackles, 4 sacks |
| CB Jordan Ellis | Cornerback | 15 tackles, 2 interceptions |
Performance Highlights
Elijah Johnson
Elijah Johnson has made a name for himself with explosive plays and a strong physical presence. His ability to break tackles and his vision on the field have led to multiple highlight-reel runs. Coaches praise his work ethic and adaptability, suggesting he could secure a spot on the final roster.
Malik Carter
Malik Carter’s rapid acceleration and crisp route running have made him a favorite target for quarterbacks. His ability to create separation and make contested catches has been impressive. This preseason, he has shown not just talent but a keen understanding of the game, making him a candidate for a significant role in the regular season.
Jason Rivera
Jason Rivera has exceeded expectations with his tenacity and relentless pursuit of the quarterback. His performance in scrimmages, especially during pass rush drills, has positioned him as a potential fixture on the Jets’ defensive line.
Other Notable Contributions
In addition to the standout performances from undrafted players and new additions, several other individuals have made an impact during the preseason.
Team Chemistry and Cohesion
Strong team chemistry is crucial for success in the NFL. With a mix of new signings and undrafted rookies, the Jets have fostered a competitive yet supportive environment. Practices have been intense, encouraging players to push each other while building essential camaraderie.
Coaching Strategies
The coaching staff has adopted innovative strategies to maximize player potential. By leveraging the unique skills of both undrafted rookies and newly acquired players, the Jets are crafting a dynamic roster capable of surprising opponents. Key strategies include:
- Utilizing Versatility: Many of the new players are being trained in multiple positions to enhance team flexibility.
- Emphasizing Fundamentals: Coaches are focused on ensuring that all players, especially undrafted rookies, master the basics of their positions.
- Implementing Game Situations: Preseason games are being used strategically to simulate high-pressure situations, allowing players to adjust and perform under stress.
Case Studies of Success
Looking back at previous seasons, the success of undrafted players can often serve as a case study for the potential impact of current gems.
Case Study: 2020 Season Undrafted Players
In the 2020 season, the Jets saw remarkable contributions from undrafted rookies. This included defensive standout Javier Cruz, who secured a starting position by the end of the year. His journey from undrafted free agent to starter serves as an encouraging precedent.
Benefits of Focusing on Undrafted Talent
The Jets’ strategy of seeking out undrafted talent offers several benefits:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Undrafted players typically command lower salaries, allowing teams to allocate funds towards other positions.
- High Motivation Levels: Undrafted players often exhibit a strong work ethic and determination to prove themselves, leading to valuable contributions.
- Discovering Hidden Talent: Uncovering undrafted gems can provide teams with unexpected talent that outperforms expectations.
First-Hand Experiences
Interviews with players and coaches have revealed firsthand insights into the Jets’ 2024 preseason. Many players shared their stories of overcoming adversity and their drive to succeed. For example, Elijah Johnson spoke about his journey and the motivation that stems from being undrafted:
“Every game feels like a chance to show what I can do. I’m grateful for this opportunity and determined to make the most of it.”
Looking Ahead: The Road to the Regular Season
As the Jets approach the final stages of the preseason, the performances of undrafted players and new signings will heavily influence roster decisions. The potential for these players to make an impact in the upcoming regular season is palpable. With the talent pool deepening, the Jets are positioning themselves to surprise fans and opponents alike in the 2024 NFL season.
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