Re-Post: Analysis on this year's UDFA signings
Now that the Jets' undrafted free agent signings have been confirmed, we're resharing our analysis on each of these players. Once rookie mini-camp has taken place, we will publish full in-depth scouting reports for each player that remains on the roster.
Also, we'll reshare our analysis of all the players invited to rookie mini-camp on a tryout basis once we get a confirmed list later on, including analysis on those players we have not heard about yet.
Syracuse WR/PR Brisly Estime
Estime's signing was reported just minutes after the end of the draft, suggesting he was a major priority. He'll primarily compete for the role as a punt returner after having averaged 18 yards per return over his career. He was in ranked in the top three in the nation in each of the past two seasons.
Estime is extremely small at 5'8" and 186 pounds and wasn't a particularly productive receiver, although he set career highs in his senior year with 48 catches, 518 yards and three scores. He's a good athlete and has had some big plays on deep balls, as well as - predictably - being a threat after the catch.SC State OT Javarius Leamon
Leamon is a 6'7" and 322 pounds small-school prospect and he has arms over 35 inches long, so he has a chance to be a developmental project. His workout numbers were not great, but he was dealing with a calf injury.
South Carolina State played their first three games against BCS-level opposition last year, losing by an average of 42 points. However, this will have been valuable experience for Leamon, who only gave up one sack in those three games.
Portland State CB Xavier Coleman
Coleman is an amazing story who recovered from heart surgery in high school and apparently signed with the Jets just 10 minutes after the draft. His workout numbers include a 40" vertical leap and a 138" broad jump, which are extremely similar to the numbers for sixth round pick Derrick Jones.
Coleman was among the leaders in the Big Sky conference over the past few years in terms of breaking up passes, but can also contribute in run support: In five games against BCS-level competition over the past two years, quarterbacks have completed less than 50% of their targets against him with a quarterback rating of below 60. He also has an interception (on a pass intended for day two pick Cooper Kupp) and four passes defensed in those games.
Lindenwood ILB Connor Harris
Harris is an exciting undrafted pick-up because he was in Dane Brugler's list of the top 10 undrafted prospects. Brugler said the following:
7. Connor Harris, LB, Lindenwood The NCAA all-division record-holder in tackles (633), Harris is one of the most accomplished defensive players in NCAA history. His production is off-the-charts, but faces an obvious jump in competition from Division-II to the NFL. Although his lack of ideal physical traits could limit his NFL ceiling, Harris is an instinctive hustler who should be at-worst a reliable depth player.
Harris has a realistic chance to make the roster because the Jets' depth there is so poor. His measurables are average across the board, but you can see how he is short and lacks length.
Harvard FB/TE Anthony Firkser
Firkser is mostly being projected as a fullback, although he was listed at 246 pounds at his pro day, 26 pounds more than his listed weight during the season. The issue is likely his height, which is just 6'1½".
Firkser primarily played as a move tight end in college and was a productive receiver with a team-leading 702 yards and seven touchdowns. He put up good athletic numbers at his pro day and will inevitably be regarded as smart but with concerns over his level of opponent.
Washington State WR Gabe Marks
Marks was a highly productive player in college, with star quality and a knack for highlight reel plays. Despite this, his stock fell in his senior year after his production dropped off after which he posted disappointing numbers at the scouting combine.
Even with the drop-off, Marks still caught 89 passes and scored 13 touchdowns, having caught over 100 for almost 1,200 yards and 15 scores the previous year. He has a knack for going up to get it on contested passes, but also a good ability to get open.
Villanova ILB Austin Calitro
Calitro could be another contender to make the roster as a back-up inside linebacker. He's considered a downhill thumper in the running game, which is a dimension the Jets currently lack for the most part.
Calitro put up some nice numbers at his pro day, including a 4.67 40-yard dash and a 6.96 three-cone drill at 239 pounds.
Georgia Tech DL Patrick Gamble
Gamble began his Georgia Tech career as a rotational defensive tackle, but started getting some reps at defensive end in 2015 and continued to play both positions in 2016. Much like his former linemate, Adam Gotsis, a second round pick a year ago, Gamble improved dramatically in his senior year. He racked up 7.5 sacks despite having only had one in his first three seasons.
Gamble has some explosive quickness, which is likely what prompted the move towards defensive end. He recently measured 6'4" and 277 so defensive end would likely be the position he projects best to at the NFL level. He is recovering from recent hip surgery though.