Jets 2018 Training Camp Profile: LB Lorenzo Mauldin

Linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin is returning from season-ending back surgery as he prepares for New York Jets training camp. Here’s his full profile as he has does his best to bounce back.

When the New York Jets selected linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin in Round 3 of the 2015 NFL Draft, they were excited about getting a pass rusher that brought a lot to the table. As early as his rookie season, Mauldin started making a name for himself as a speedy linebacker filled with keen defensive instincts and aggression.

In 2015, Mauldin totaled four sacks which caused quite the buzz among Jets fans. He wasn’t demonstrating consistent starting abilities but the potential was there. Unfortunately, the season right after, Mauldin regressed tremendously and seemed to have entered a sophomore slump. He dropped in sacks to 2.5 and often times was a non-factor on the field when it mattered most.

The year after his second season in the NFL, Mauldin suffered a severe back injury that required surgery. He missed all of last season and is now on the outside looking in. Mauldin was limited during organized team activities and mandatory minicamp as he still has a long way to go to impress decision-makers that he’s worth keeping around for the future.

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2017 SEASON REVIEW

Mauldin missed last season as he was rehabbing from required back surgery. It’s unclear if he’ll be able to fully compete in training camp this offseason as he’ll have to get medically cleared before resuming full football activities.

2018 SEASON OUTLOOK

On the outside looking in, Mauldin has a lot of catching up to do as the Jets brought in competition this offseason for the linebacker positional group. If Mauldin looks like he’s missing a step in training camp, he’ll likely be released before the start of the season. In the event he plays well enough to earn a final roster spot, Mauldin will likely land in a backup or situational role on the Jets defense.

TRAINING CAMP PREDICTION

Mauldin, before he was seriously hurt, was a non-factor in 2016. It will be extremely hard for him to return to form like he did in his rookie season due to coming back from such a serious injury. Expect to see the Jets cut him as a training camp casualty since they have better players ahead of him on the depth chart that will have more of an impact this upcoming season.