New York Jets: Greg Dortch is proving to be latest undrafted gem

Greg Dortch didn’t get to hear his name called on draft day. Four months later, he’s rapidly rising up the New York Jets’ depth chart in training camp.

In 2016, the New York Jets signed undrafted free agent wide receiver Robby Anderson. He proved to be a gem, turning into the team’s No. 1 receiver by his second season.

In 2019, the Jets may have found yet another steal after the draft, signing former Wake Forest receiver Greg Dortch.

Dortch was a bubble player in regards to getting drafted. When he wasn’t selected, he immediately turned into a priority signing for the Jets. Coincidentally, his NFL.com pro comparison is Jamison Crowder, who the Jets signed previously in the offseason.

Dortch had made his presence felt in the return game from the get-go. He was listed as the starting punt returner for the Jets ahead of their preseason opener against the New York Giants and took all three punts for the Jets. He returned one for 32 yards, making a man miss and getting the Jets in very good field position.

Dortch is looking like a near-lock to become the starting punt returner, and maybe even a potential candidate for the starting kick returner position as well. Trenton Cannon struggled fielding kicks in the opener, and Dortch thrived on the other end. We could easily wind up seeing Dortch get some reps at kick returner over the next few weeks.

Dortch’s game has recently risen beyond special teams. He caught 4 passes on 6 targets, one of them being a touchdown, against the Giants in his NFL debut. On Tuesday, he began getting reps as the slot receiver for the second-team offense.

He had a strong day working with the second-string offense, reeling in four catches. His stock is rapidly rising at Florham Park after coming in as an undrafted rookie with a chip on his shoulder. The quick, 5-foot-8 receiver is making his presence felt all over the practice field.

The Jets’ starting receiving corps is basically locked in as Anderson, Quincy Enunwa, and Crowder. However, both Enunwa and Crowder had injury struggles last season, and Dortch is looking like the fourth-best receiver on the Jets’ roster. We could see Dortch get some reps in the Jets offense in certain personnel looks, and even as a starter in some scenarios.

The Jets struggled with wide receiver depth last season and lost their All-Pro return man in free agency. Dortch could be the one to fill both of those holes in 2019 for Gang Green. His potential is through the roof in New York. What a find Dortch was post-draft for the Jets.