5 exciting UDFAs to watch at NY Jets training camp

The NY Jets are less than two weeks from the official start of their 2024 training camp, but before veterans report on July 23rd, the rookies on the roster will be in attendance at Florham Park this week.

Among those rookies will be first-round pick Olu Fashanu, third-round pick Malachi Corley, and the rest of the Jets' 2024 draft class. That rookie class will also include the team's many undrafted free agents.

The Jets have a whopping 18 undrafted free agents on their roster entering the summer, the most the team has had in years. Many of those rookies will be fighting for a roster spot in training camp.

Who are the most notable or exciting UDFAs that Jets fans should keep an eye on? We take a look at five undrafted rookies to watch in this year's Jets training camp.

5. Tyler Harrell, WR, NY Jets

It's hard to see a scenario in which Tyler Harrell actually makes the Jets' 53-man roster. The Jets' wide receiver depth chart is crowded, and Harrell will be fighting an uphill battle to even make some noise this summer.

He sure should be fun to watch, though. Harrell managed just 26 career receptions in 32 collegiate games over six years split between three schools. So why was he even signed? One word: speed.

Harrell ran a blazing 4.25 40-yard dash at Miami's pro day, attracting the attention of NFL teams. Injuries completely derailed his college career and he struggled to find consistent playing time even when healthy, but you can't teach speed.

Harrell is a major work in progress as a wide receiver and is essentially more of a track star at this stage, but his speed alone will allow him to stand out this summer. He'll be a fun player to monitor.

4. Braiden McGregor, DE, NY Jets

The Jets already have one of the deepest defensive lines in the NFL, but the team also added a trio of high-profile undrafted rookies to further strengthen the unit. One of those rookies is Braiden McGregor.

McGregor was a one-year starter for the National Champion Michigan Wolverines in 2023, racking up 4.5 sacks and honorable mention All-Big Ten honors in his lone season as a starter.

At 6-foot-5, 257 pounds, McGregor has excellent size and length for the position that make him an intriguing developmental edge rusher. His lackluster college production could be attributed to Michigan's heavy defensive line rotation and his developing skill set.

McGregor was also a notable standout on special teams for Michigan, giving him a real shot to stick around on the Jets' roster. He's someone who could absolutely push for a roster spot this summer.

3. Andrew Peasley, QB, NY Jets

Andrew Peasley isn't going to make the Jets' 53-man roster, and there's every chance he's little more than a camp arm, but he's certainly going to have his chance to make an impact this summer.

With rookie fifth-round pick Jordan Travis still out rehabbing, Peasley should receive plenty of reps in training camp and the preseason. That's especially true for the preseason, as the Jets are unlikely to play Aaron Rodgers much if at all.

Peasley is an experienced college quarterback who spent two seasons as a full-time starter at Wyoming after transferring away from Utah State. He showed flashes this spring, especially during Rodgers' absence from mandatory minicamp.

It's always fun to keep tabs on young quarterbacks, and Peasley will have an opportunity to stick around as a developmental option on the practice squad with a strong summer.

2. Eric Watts, DL, NY Jets

If you were betting on one undrafted rookie to make the Jets' roster, it should be Eric Watts. The South Carolina native was a three-year starter at Connecticut, leading his team in sacks and tackles for loss in 2022 before a down year last season.

Watts has excellent size at 6-foot-5, 274 pounds, projecting as more of a hybrid defensive end/tackle in the NFL. He has the potential to fill a similar role in the Jets' defense as John Franklin-Myers did.

Watts is still a little rough around the edges as an overall prospect, but he's been praised for his work ethic and competitive drive, which should help him maximize his physical tools at the NFL level.

The rookie defensive lineman was one of the Jets' biggest standouts from the spring and seems likely to push for a roster spot as we approach training camp. Watts might just earn his way into the Jets' defensive line rotation.

1. Leonard Taylor III, DT, NY Jets

Leonard Taylor III was not only the most notable Jets undrafted signing, but he was probably one of the most notable UDFA additions in the entire NFL. That's what happens when you're a former five-star recruit and projected first-round pick.

Taylor was being mocked in the first round as recently as December of last year based solely on his traits, but his production never matched the hype at Miami. Taylor recorded just six sacks in 31 career games with only one sack in his final collegiate season.

Concerns about Taylor's motor and recent history of knee injuries caused his stock to plummet, but most believed that he would still be an early Day 3 pick. It was a huge surprise to see him go unselected in this year's draft.

The Jets are hoping they can capitalize on Taylor's sky-high potential and help him put it all together in the NFL. If anyone is going to do that, it's probably Robert Saleh. Taylor landed in an excellent spot for his development.