New York Jets 2015 Training Camp Profile: Lorenzo Mauldin

By Paul Newbold | Jul 21, 2015

Lorenzo Mauldin is one of our newest members of the New York Jets. Taken in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Mauldin stands 6’4″ and weighs in at 259 pounds. Mauldin was an edge rusher in his college days, playing DE before moving to a stand up OLB position. The Jets have a need for a true edge rusher on their roster, so let’s take a deeper look at him as he prepares for training camp.

Mauldin grew up in foster homes and group homes his entire life. He self admits that when he arrived in Louisville to play college football for the Cardinals, he was an angry young man. Mauldin grew up without the benefit of a family unit to support him, and early on it had its effects.

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At Louisville he found that family. In his freshman year. he was injured during practice and taken to the hospital. Mauldin assumed nobody would show up to visit him. To his surprise, his coaches and the University Chaplain appeared at the hospital to make sure he was alright. It apparently changed the way Mauldin saw the world.

Returning to Louisville, Mauldin set to work to not only become a better football player, but a better person as well. He grew closer to the team and the coaching staff. With a support unit in place, Mauldin’s life began to change. His football career began to take flight and his anger issues began to subside. It was no longer Mauldin versus the world, it was now him and the coaching staff working together.

At Louisville, Mauldin developed into a force on the football field. In his junior season, Mauldin played defensive end and produced 9.5 sacks for the Cardinals. By the time Mauldin became a senior, he had become a leader on the Cardinal football team. Despite a change in the coaching staff and a change of position, Mauldin thrived at OLB. Earning him first team All ACC honors.

During his three year stay at Louisville, Mauldin’s work ethic was praised by his coaches. He worked endlessly to develop his craft. He ended his college career being credited with 118 tackles, 73 coming as solo tackles and he amassed 20.5 sacks in the process as well. Mauldin had grown into a leader as well as a pretty darn good football player.

Oct 18, 2014; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals defensive end Lorenzo Mauldin (94) reacts during the second half of play against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Papa John

Mauldin was invited to the 2015 NFL Combine where he turned in a good performance. He recorded a 4.85 in the 40-yard dash as well as 26 reps of 225 for the NFL scouts in attendance. He posted a 32-inch vertical jump, along with a 112″ broad jump, to go along with a 7.47 three cone drill and a 4.58 in the 20-yard shuttle drill.

Mauldin was worked out by several teams pre-draft including the Chicago Bears and the San Francisco 49ers. The Jets chose him with the 82nd pick of this year’s draft in an effort to improve the outside linebacker corps. Early reports have Mauldin showing well at the Jets’ rookie camp as well as the mini-camp.

The Jets have an aging LB corps with both Calvin Pace and David Harris both having reached the dreaded 30 year old mark. Mauldin might just become a guy to fix that problem. The Jets have a big need for an edge rusher and Maudlin might be able to fix that problem as well down the line. Mauldin has an upside as he has proven himself to be a leader while looking to have an impact on this team.

Nov 29, 2014; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals defensive end Lorenzo Mauldin (94) runs onto the field during senior day activities before the first quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Papa John

Pegged as a 3-4 outside linebacker by pro scouts, Mauldin is likely a lock to make the final 53-man roster. He’s still raw and will need to show development this summer, but if he can, the Jets might very well use him as a situation rusher this year. He’ll have veteran presence for him to learn from and make no mistake about it, this young man has come to the Jets to compete!

I like this young man’s story. I think he met a need for the Jets in this year’s draft. I also believe this young man possesses the character that the organization needs to have as well. His work ethic should make him a contributor in short order I’m thinking. I like the player, I love his story as players like Mauldin truly appreciate how far they have come and tend to grasp the opportunity.

I’m hoping Mauldin will become an impact player for the Jets in the future. He has the skills, now it will be up to him to make the most out of his shot with the Jets. I’ll be rooting for him this summer for sure.

What do you think, Jets Nation? Let us know how you see Mauldin contributing and as always, Let’s Talk Jet Football!!

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