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Undrafted Free Agents Sign
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4/26/08
Monday, April 28, 2008
6:34:00 PM EDT
The Jets have signed a few undrafted free agents to contracts. These deals are not based so much by need as by signing anybody a team can find to see who can actually play on the level and maybe become a steal. Finding any sort of player from the undrafted is a major coup.
Danny Woodhead, RB from Chadron State
Woodhead ended his career as the NCAA's all-time leading rusher with 7,962 yards at Division 2 Chadron State. There were two knocks on him, the level of competition and his 5'7" 197 pound frame. He absolutely dominated the inferior competiton, so that is not a significant issue. There are also many diminutive running backs who make contributions. Sometimes they are harder to bring down because defenders have less to grab. Woodhead is very well-spoken to the media. He seems like a classy character guy. He also has elite speed as he was timed at 4.33 in the 40 yard dash. Very few people expect him to be an everydown back, but he could make some kind of impact as a change of pace runner, a third down back, or on special teams. At best, he might be another Leon Washington. The team certainly could use as many Leons as it can find. In terms of undrafted free agents, Woodhead probably has the best shot of making a roster.
Jehuu Calcrick, RB from Michigan State
Calcrick is a power back from Michigan State without much speed. His size and inability to run for even 4 yards per carry in the Big Ten probably doom his hopes of being a tailback in the NFL. His best position will be fullback, but he is hardly an elite blocker. He probably will not make much noise as a pro and be an early camp casualty.
Bryan Mattison, DE from Iowa
Mattison was a captain at Iowa, where he recorded 9 sacks in 2007. He is a hard worker, who is best against the run. If he somehow made the team, Mattison would move to 3-4 outside linebacker, but because of his lack of athleticism, burst, and pass rushing moves, he probably will not have an NFL career of which to speak.
Alfred Phillips, CB from Wagner
I cannot find anything resembling a scouting report on this guy.
There are still a pair of players out there the Jets at whom should take a strong look. The first is Tommy Blake, a defensive end from TCU. Blake was viewed a potential top fifteen pick before the year started. A pair of mysterious leaves of absence scared teams away as rumors of psychological disorders grew. His teammates and coaches still spoke glowingly of him. He also took a full course load to fulfill a promise to his grandmother than he would graduate from college. No matter what issues the guy may have, these are indications he is a good guy at heart. He also is a terrific pass rusher with great athleticism, who profiles really well as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. He is explosive, stout at the point of attack, and has a nonstop motor. The ability to find a guy with that much upside at such a low cost almost never happens. The Jets would have to make sure Blake had a tremendous support system surrounding him, but he could team with Vernon Gholston to give Gang Green an elite pass rush for over a decade if he somehow got things together. If he did not, the team would literally lose nothing.
The other player the Jets should try to nab is De'Cody Fagg, a wide receiver from Florida State. Fagg went undrafted after blowing out his knee at the combine. He has a decent frame and is a superb athlete. While his timed speed is slow, he plays faster and his athletic ability allows him to gain separation and outwork opponents for balls. He is also very tough.
Neither of these guys would likely make a dent in 2008. Blake needs to get his life in order, while Fagg needs his knee to heal. However, these investments could pay huge dividends down the line at a ridiculously low cost.
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6:34:00 PM EDT
Undrafted Free Agents Sign
Danny Woodhead, RB from Chadron State
Woodhead ended his career as the NCAA's all-time leading rusher with 7,962 yards at Division 2 Chadron State. There were two knocks on him, the level of competition and his 5'7" 197 pound frame. He absolutely dominated the inferior competiton, so that is not a significant issue. There are also many diminutive running backs who make contributions. Sometimes they are harder to bring down because defenders have less to grab. Woodhead is very well-spoken to the media. He seems like a classy character guy. He also has elite speed as he was timed at 4.33 in the 40 yard dash. Very few people expect him to be an everydown back, but he could make some kind of impact as a change of pace runner, a third down back, or on special teams. At best, he might be another Leon Washington. The team certainly could use as many Leons as it can find. In terms of undrafted free agents, Woodhead probably has the best shot of making a roster.
Jehuu Calcrick, RB from Michigan State
Calcrick is a power back from Michigan State without much speed. His size and inability to run for even 4 yards per carry in the Big Ten probably doom his hopes of being a tailback in the NFL. His best position will be fullback, but he is hardly an elite blocker. He probably will not make much noise as a pro and be an early camp casualty.
Bryan Mattison, DE from Iowa
Mattison was a captain at Iowa, where he recorded 9 sacks in 2007. He is a hard worker, who is best against the run. If he somehow made the team, Mattison would move to 3-4 outside linebacker, but because of his lack of athleticism, burst, and pass rushing moves, he probably will not have an NFL career of which to speak.
Alfred Phillips, CB from Wagner
I cannot find anything resembling a scouting report on this guy.
There are still a pair of players out there the Jets at whom should take a strong look. The first is Tommy Blake, a defensive end from TCU. Blake was viewed a potential top fifteen pick before the year started. A pair of mysterious leaves of absence scared teams away as rumors of psychological disorders grew. His teammates and coaches still spoke glowingly of him. He also took a full course load to fulfill a promise to his grandmother than he would graduate from college. No matter what issues the guy may have, these are indications he is a good guy at heart. He also is a terrific pass rusher with great athleticism, who profiles really well as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. He is explosive, stout at the point of attack, and has a nonstop motor. The ability to find a guy with that much upside at such a low cost almost never happens. The Jets would have to make sure Blake had a tremendous support system surrounding him, but he could team with Vernon Gholston to give Gang Green an elite pass rush for over a decade if he somehow got things together. If he did not, the team would literally lose nothing.
The other player the Jets should try to nab is De'Cody Fagg, a wide receiver from Florida State. Fagg went undrafted after blowing out his knee at the combine. He has a decent frame and is a superb athlete. While his timed speed is slow, he plays faster and his athletic ability allows him to gain separation and outwork opponents for balls. He is also very tough.
Neither of these guys would likely make a dent in 2008. Blake needs to get his life in order, while Fagg needs his knee to heal. However, these investments could pay huge dividends down the line at a ridiculously low cost.
Written by georgecoztanza Blog about this entry |
Add to del.icio.us | digg this
