Can Greg Salas Become A True Diamond For The New York jets?

Aug 9, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver

(19) makes a one handed catch against the New England Patriots during the second half of a preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field. The Patriots won 31-22. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The term “Diamond In The Rough” has been widely used to describe the Jets draft picks and free agency pickups in the past several months. Camp has concluded and we are headed for opening day of 2014. While I’ve written about the many disappointments the Jets have suffered while trying to find that diamond, I haven’t written much about the one “diamond” they might have found. That guy seems to be Greg Salas this summer.

Greg seems to be an interesting story and he holds possibilities for this team if he makes the roster. He was drafted in the fourth round of the 2011 draft by the Rams. He played in six games for the Rams catching 27 balls for 264 yds and 11 first downs in his rookie campaign. Greg was used mostly as a slot receiver for the Rams, until he was traded to the New England Patriots for a draft pick. He saw no game action with the Patriots, as he was hidden behind Wes Walker. He was ultimately cut and picked up by the Philadelphia Eagles, who signed him to their practice squad. The Jets signed him off the Eagles practice squad  last October. He appeared in 8 games for the Jets last season, catching just eight balls for 143 yards, five first downs and a 17.9 average.

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This summer reports out of Cortland have Salas having a great camp. He’s going into his 4th year as a professional, which is often when “developmental players” turn the corner. While mainly considered a slot receiver, Salas has experience on the outside as well, playing the outside for the Eagles in limited duty. Salas isn’t a true deep threat on the outside, his combine speed was reportedly 4.53 in the 40, but turned in decent times in the short shuffle (4.10), a 36″ vertical jump and a 120″ broad jump. Not a bad performance from a fourth rounder.

Salas has displayed a good set of hands in camp this season, he’s a solid blocker down field and has drawn attention from Rex Ryan for his special teams play this season. Overall, Salas has a good set of tools to work with, his route running has developed nicely, and he does well with yards after the catch. He might not be an elite talent, and may never be a top-notch receiver, but if he continues to play well, he surely could be a productive receiver for Geno Smith.

He’s reportedly “on the bubble” this year in camp, but with his increased productivity he may well become a diamond for this squad, if afforded the opportunity. I think he’s made a strong case for making the 53 man roster this season, and I look forward to seeing what he can do if he does. There haven’t been many diamonds found in the rough this season, so Salas story is a welcome one. Do you see him making the roster? Have an opinion on Greg Salas? I want to hear your thoughts Jet Nation, tell me about it.