Early impressions of Freddie Bishop

The New York Jets are looking to ensure their overall pass rush from their linebacker corps is younger, faster and more aggressive. Outside linebacker Freddie Bishop has so far been stepping up to the challenge.

As the New York Jets continue to work out the kinks of their roster during preseason football, their linebacker corps is looking better compared to last year. It’s showing how quickly it can get to the ball carrier while also hurrying quarterbacks into making decisions that hopefully turn into key mistakes in favor of the defense.

Related Story: A look at Freddie Bishop

For outside linebacker Freddie Bishop, it’s a huge opportunity to hopefully make the final roster of the Jets. It’s not easy to come from the CFL and have major success in the NFL but so far, early impressions of Bishop so far from training camp and preseason football have been good.

Things are much faster, more complicated and even tougher when playing in the NFL but Bishop has the skill-set to not only succeed but thrive. He’s known for getting after the quarterback efficiently and is going through the transition from defensive end to outside linebacker.

If he can make a successful position change and actually land on the final roster, the Jets could use him in many different packages to utilize his speed and ability to wreak havoc against opponents. Considering that quality depth is important when it comes to linebacker, Bishop could spell relief for starters and also bring a “tough as nails” attitude on defense.

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During training camp, Bishop has continued to work hard and not let any obstacles draw him away from his main goal of being an impact player.

It’s earned him several opportunities to earn first-team reps in training camp and also see more playing time in preseason football to see how everything comes together.

In his CFL career, Bishop totaled 60 tackles, one forced fumble, and 14 sacks.

Clearly, the talent is there and if he can find similar success with the Jets, Bishop could be a hidden undrafted gem that general manager Mike Maccagnan can add to his list of finding top talent out of nowhere.

Even head coach Todd Bowles has been giving praise to everything Bishop has been doing so far including seeing him more involved wherever the football is. Courtesy of the Media Relations Department of the Jets, here’s what Bowles said on the progression of Bishop so far:

On his impressions of Bishop so far…

He’s tough and he plays hard. I still want to see more of him. He’s an interesting guy to watch. I like what he brings to the table. I just have to see him play more.

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Overall, if Bishop keeps things up and impresses the coaching staff, his dream of playing in the NFL will come true. It would be one of those great stories that if you put in the hard work, effort and execution, anything is possible in the grand scheme of things.