Jets’ most unique UDFA quietly has a real shot at making 53-man roster

The New York Jets signed a whopping 15 undrafted rookies this spring, featuring a mix of high-profile former college stars, small-school wonders, and athletic marvels with unique backgrounds.

With a new coaching staff in place and a roster that most assumed will be filled out by low-cost veterans and young fliers, there’s a very real chance that at least a few of those UDFAs find their way onto the 53-man roster this summer.

One name to keep an eye on is Ja’Markis Weston, a player who has flown almost entirely under the radar despite being arguably the most unique UDFA the Jets signed.

Listed as a defensive end on the team’s official roster, Weston is more of a positionless chess piece who’s made a living on special teams throughout his college career. He’ll be given a legitimate chance to stick, even in a crowded field of potential special-teams standouts.

Ja'Markis Weston could push for a Jets roster spot this summer

Weston is about as unconventional a prospect as you’ll find in today’s NFL. The 24-year-old spent six years at the University of Florida, where he played everything from wide receiver to safety, linebacker, and even edge rusher by the end of his collegiate career.

But through all the position changes, his true home was on special teams. Weston logged a whopping 608 special-teams snaps across his Florida tenure, carving out a reputation as one of the nation's most reliable gunners.

He posted a strong 72.45 Pro Football Focus grade on special teams over his final two seasons and finished his college career with just 16 total tackles and one forced fumble.

Coaches and teammates praised Weston for his team-first mentality and overall leadership. He was especially respected for sticking with the Gators despite limited playing time and numerous opportunities to transfer elsewhere.

His athletic profile is a major part of what makes him so intriguing. Weston has reportedly been timed at running a 4.40-second 40-yard dash and has explosive movement skills for a player listed at 6-foot-2, 235 pounds.

That’s small for a defensive end, which is where the Jets officially list him, but Weston could theoretically even be used as a strong-side linebacker in base 4-3 formations or, more likely, as a designated special-teams ace.

Of course, Weston’s path to the 53-man roster won’t be easy. He’ll have to impress new special teams coordinator Chris Banjo and beat out players like free-agent signing Kris Boyd and the incumbent Irv Charles, who took over the top gunner role from Justin Hardee last season before tearing his ACL in Week 14.

Charles’ injury could open the door for someone like Weston to make a push, while Boyd is pushing 30 and doesn't have age on his side.

Other depth cornerbacks like Qwan'tez Stiggers and Jarrick Bernard-Converse also received snaps as gunners last preseason, and even speedy rookie Arian Smith could get a look on special teams. It’s going to be a crowded field.

But the Jets clearly see something in Weston, giving him $200,000 in guaranteed money, the second-highest figure among the team’s 15 UDFA signings. That type of investment suggests he’ll be given every opportunity to prove himself this summer.

He may not have the name recognition of other Jets UDFAs, but Weston’s rare versatility and athletic profile give him a real chance to stick. If he can carve out a role on special teams and stand out in camp, the Jets’ most unique rookie might just force his way onto the 53-man roster.

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