Even in the most disappointing of seasons, you can always find glimmers of hope. 

Sitting at 3-8 after the bye week, the New York Jets 2024 season hasn’t exactly gone to plan. This offseason, the Jets will look to rebuild under the stewardship of a new GM and HC, and part of that will be building out the roster, especially the depth. 

If you look across the NFL, you’ll notice that the top teams in the league that win consistently have a lot in common. One of those things is the ability to identify, evaluate and sign talent that other teams overlook. 

This can be done through the waiver wire, an avenue the Jets have had some success with, highlighted by the pick-ups of both John Franklin-Myers and Quincy Williams. It can also be done through the undrafted free agent process, as with the signing of Bryce Huff. 

This year, the Jets signed a number of exciting prospects who are being given the opportunity to showcase their talent, and the hope is that over the final six games they can continue to build their case for a 2025 roster spot. 

Let’s take a look at some of the undrafted rookies who have already made an impact.

Leonard Taylor III

The former University of Miami defensive tackle was considered by many to be one of the best priority signings after the draft, and although he only has 155 defensive snaps to his name through the first 12 weeks of the season, he’s already made a big impact on the defensive line. 

With 1.5 sacks, 6 pressures and 8 defensive stops that constitute an offensive failure, Taylor III has arguably been the most impressive undrafted rookie on the team. Coming out of high school, Taylor III was a 5-star prospect with the world at his feet. Analysts spoke about his speed, explosion and power from the inside. 

His college career didn’t pan out as expected, but you can certainly see why he was rated so highly and whilst his opportunities have been limited, he’s made an impact when his number has been called, continuing his strong play from the pre-season.

Braiden McGregor

One of my favourite signings of the offseason, McGregor hasn’t enjoyed the same kind of opportunities as Taylor, but he’s still showcased some real positives that lead you to believe that he’s a talent that can be developed. He doesn’t have the elite bend of a speed rusher but he gained a reputation at Michigan as a leader with a non-stop motor and the prototypical body type for an NFL edge.

In the 2024 season, McGregor has only appeared in 71 total defensive snaps, with just 35 opportunities to rush the passer. He’s yet to register his first sack but he has chalked up 3 pressures, which is a pressure for every 11.6 pass rush snaps, a number that would be highly respectable if replicated over a bigger sample size. McGregor is another UDFA who had a stellar pre-season where he registered 3 sacks and 8 pressures on just 53 pass-rush snaps. Definitely someone to keep an eye on over the back half of the season and into 2025.

Eric Watts

Watts was the final UDFA to make the team on the defensive line. Having one UDFA make the roster isn’t overly noteworthy, having two UDFAs make the roster on the same defensive line unit is unique, having three UDFAs make the roster on the same defensive line is nearly unheard of. 

Back in 2022, Watts led the UConn Huskies with 10 tackles for a loss and 7 sacks, while blocking two kicks and forcing two fumbles. The analysts at NFL.com had his draft grade in the 5th round, but when the lights went out in Detroit, Watts was left without a team. The Jets saw something in the 6′ 5, 275 lb defensive end, and while the stats have been lacking he has been given 115 snaps through the season to prove his quality. 

Some players are instant stars, while some take time to develop. Here’s what draft analyst Dane Brugler had to say about Watts: “Watts is a frenetic pass rusher and still figuring out how to properly unlock all his power, but the physical traits and competitive mentality are there for him to become a valuable part of a defensive line rotation with additional coaching. He might never put it all together, but he’s worth a Day 3 draft pick to find out.” We’ll need to wait and see if he can.