NY Jets: 4 draft prospects who are a perfect fit in Mike LaFleur’s offense

2. NY Jets draft target: Amari Rodgers, WR, Clemson

Much like the running back position, there are a dozen receivers in this draft class we could label as fits for a Mike LaFleur offense. Players like Jaelon Darden of North Texas and Iowa’s Ihmir Smith-Marsette immediately spring to mind.

Basically, any wide receiver who is quick and could rack up yards after the catch fits the bill. That’s why Clemson’s Amari Rodgers is a perfect scheme fit.

Next in a long line of star Clemson receivers, Rodgers is a little different than your Mike Williams and Tee Higgins. He’s not so much as a physical, “go-up-and-get-it” jump-ball wideout as he is an explosive, instinctive, run-after-the-catch receiver.

Rodgers is built like a running back at 5-foot-9, 212 pounds — and he plays like it too. The 21-year-old plays with excellent play strength and is incredibly tough to bring down after the catch.

Only Alabama’s Devonta Smith finished with more yards after the catch in 2020 than Rodgers and his strong hands and toughness over the middle of the field make him an outstanding slot option at the next level.

He’s essentially this year’s Deebo Samuel — a player who coincidentally found a ton of success playing under Mike LaFleur in San Francisco.

Not only was Rodgers effective over the middle of the field, but he thrived in the screen game regularly turning plays that should have gone for nothing into lengthy gains.

Rodgers could be the Deebo Samuel of the Jets offense and someone who could replace Jamison Crowder as the primary slot option in the near future.

Plenty of receivers fit the Kyle Shanahan-inspired scheme, but few are tailor-made for it like Rodgers.

Next: 1. Kenneth Gainwell