New York Jets 2019: Ranking the 53-man roster — #43 Vyncint Smith

As another lost New York Jets season unfolds, it’s time to evaluate this 53-man roster from top to bottom. Let’s continue this daily ranking with #43, wide receiver Vyncint Smith.

This 23-year-old New York Jets baller, an Army kid born in Germany and raised in South Carolina, starred for four years at local Division II Limestone College (153 career receptions for 3,311 yards and 11 TDs).

Vyncint Smith did not get a Combine invite, but he was so good at USC (South Carolina) pro day that most prognosticators rated him a late Day 3 selection.

The Houston Texans snagged Smith as a priority undrafted free agent. The rookie flashed potential as a 2018 preseason sensation, started the opening game against the New England Patriots, and then saw limited field time the remainder of the season (five receptions for 18.2 yards per catch over seven games).

During this year’s Week 4 bye, the Jets signed him off the Texans practice squad, as help for since-axed quarterback Luke Falk; to help step in for injured Quincy Enunwa and Demaryius Thomas.

Vyncint has wowed Adam Gase‘s coaching staff with his explosive speed as a deep threat WR (11 receptions over 11 games for 14.3 yards per) and a lethal kick returner (nine kickoff returns for 28.7 per).

He’s made the most of his opportunities in some lost-cause situations, notably in his debut, scoring on a reverse against the Philadelphia Eagles, and in his first Jets start, catching all his limited targets against the Baltimore Ravens.

Despite seeing limited action, Scout.com has projected Smith a respectable No. 113 on their Top 120 wide receivers list of 2019.

NFL coaches salivate over receivers able to outrun pass coverage. Smith is such an electrifying sprinter. Expect him to be one of the few New York Jets receivers to return for the 2020 season.

If the team opts to not re-sign Robby Anderson, it will be the home-run potential of No. 17 as a major factor playing into that difficult decision.

#53 — Trumaine Johnson     #52 — Ryan Kalil      #51 — Kelechi Osemele      #50 — Quinnen Williams    #49 — Chuma Edoga     #48 — Frankie Luvu      #47 — Sam Ficken     #46 — Nate Hairston     #45 — Brandon Shell     #44  — Jordan Willis