5 under-the-radar NY Jets players to keep an eye on in 2024

As the 2024 NFL season kicks off in less than a week, the NY Jets have one of their most talented rosters in franchise history.

While big names like Aaron Rodgers and Sauce Gardner often dominate headlines, there are several lesser-known players who could play pivotal roles this year. Here are five emerging Jets players to watch closely as the season progresses.

5. Chuck Clark, S, NY Jets

For as good as the Jets' defense was in 2023, the safety position was the weak link in the chain. Chuck Clark is a welcome addition to a position group that struggled in the 2023 campaign, specifically in the running game with missed tackles.

Clark was drafted in 2017 out of Virginia Tech and played six seasons for the team that drafted him, the Baltimore Ravens. A sixth-round pick, Clark made a name for himself as he played in 96 games and recorded 384 tackles in his Ravens stint.

After rumors of a possible trade to the Jets in 2022, Clark remained in Baltimore and was a key player on a defense that ranked fourth in points allowed and third in rushing yards allowed. In the 2023 offseason, the Jets traded for Clark giving up a seventh-round pick.

Unfortunately, Clark suffered a torn ACL during OTAs and was never afforded the opportunity to suit up last season. But a year later, Chuck Clark is fully recovered and ready to reintroduce himself to Jets fans and the rest of the NFL.

Expect Clark to showcase his physicality down in the box, as he is known to read and react quickly against the run. Be ready to see a big hit or two a game coming from No. 36.

4. Qwan'Tez Stiggers, CB, NY Jets

Qwan’Tez Stiggers’ journey to the NFL is a remarkable story of perseverance and determination. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Stiggers excelled in multiple sports from a young age.

His path took an unexpected turn in 2020 when he dropped out of Division II Lane College during the first weeks of his freshman year due to personal hardships, including the loss of his father.

Despite these setbacks, Stiggers found a new opportunity in the now-defunct Fan Controlled Football (FCF) league, a 7-on-7 league that allowed fans to participate in play-calling by voting on a mobile app.

Stiggers’ talent caught the eye of the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and was invited to their rookie camp. This led to a successful stint with the Argonauts, where he earned the title of Most Outstanding Rookie in 2023, showcasing his playmaking ability with 53 tackles and five interceptions in 16 games played.

His impressive performance in the CFL opened the door to the NFL. Prior to the draft, Stiggers was invited to the East-West Shrine Bowl, where he impressed NFL scouts.

Officially declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft, Stiggers participated in top 30 visits with several teams, and it became clear he was a real prospect. In the fifth round with the 176th overall pick, the New York Jets called his name.

HC Robert Saleh has effusively praised Stiggers, noting his improvement throughout camp, while noting that they know he is an NFL-caliber defensive back. Expect to see Stiggers on special teams early in the year, and then on defense in passing situations as the season progresses.

3. Xavier Gipson, WR, NY Jets

Last year, return specialist Xavier Gipson gifted the New York Jets franchise a historic moment. He made a memorable NFL debut by returning a punt 65 yards for a game-winning walk-off touchdown in overtime against the Buffalo Bills, earning him the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award.

He helped erase, even if just momentarily, the dark cloud of Aaron Rodgers tearing his Achilles just four plays into the season. It was a storybook ending for Gipson, who was introduced to the NFL world during HBO’s Hard Knocks in the offseason.

Gipson played college football at Stephen F. Austin State University from 2019 to 2022. During his college career, he was highly productive, earning multiple accolades with the Lumberjacks. He finished his college career with impressive stats, including 74 receptions for 1,367 yards and 14 touchdowns in 11 games during his junior year.

Despite going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Gipson signed with the Jets as a free agent. Initially, he was a long shot to make the 53-man roster. But throughout camp, he impressed coaches enough that he beat out a veteran free agent signing Mecole Hardman for return duties.

Fast forward, and Gipson provided a moment that will last forever in Jets history. Expect to see him this year trying to recreate that magic on punt returns and the new dynamic kickoff.

2. Jarrick Bernard-Converse, CB, NY Jets

Jarrick Bernard-Converse is a player that most Jets fans may be unfamiliar with if they haven’t been following training camp this year. He started his college football career at Oklahoma State, where he played from 2018 to 2021 as both a safety and cornerback.

During his time as an OSU Cowboy, he was a standout player, earning first-team All-Big 12 honors in 2021. In 2022, he transferred to LSU, where he continued to excel, starting nine of 13 games and recording 44 tackles, three pass breakups, and two interceptions. He played mostly at the safety position, but also played nearly a third of his snaps at cornerback.

Bernard-Converse was selected by the New York Jets in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He began his professional career on the reserve/physically unable to perform list due to a foot injury but was activated later in the season in October.

He made his NFL debut against the Buffalo Bills in Week 11, appearing on special teams. During this offseason, he has impressed both coaches and media as he transitions from safety to cornerback.

Expect to watch Bernard-Converse on special teams, as he tries to carve a spot out for himself on the defensive side of the ball.

1. Leonard Taylor III, Eric Watts, Braiden McGregor, DL, NY Jets

I had to cheat a little here and mention a group of three players who will add depth to the defensive line. They share another distinct criterion: all are undrafted free agents who find themselves on the 53-man roster due to their impressive performances in training camp and the preseason.

Starting with Leonard Taylor III, Taylor was a highly sought-after high school recruit and committed to the University of Miami, where he played college football from 2021 to 2023. During his college career, he made significant contributions, including 24 tackles, three sacks, and an interception in his sophomore year.

Taylor showcased his formidable presence on the defensive line during the preseason finale against the New York Giants. He was involved in three consecutive sacks of quarterback Tommy DeVito, flashing his athleticism and quickness that impressed Jets coaches enough to keep him on the active roster.

Next is Eric Watts, who played college football at the University of Connecticut from 2019 to 2023. He had a notable college career, especially in his junior year when he led the team in tackles-for-loss (10) and sacks (7).

Watts is known for his speed and agility from the edge, making him a valuable asset for DC Jeff Ulbrich. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 277 pounds, Watts brings significant size and power to Gang Green’s defensive line.

Last but not least, Braiden McGregor played college football at the University of Michigan from 2020 to 2023. Despite an early knee injury that sidelined him during his freshman year, he made a strong comeback.

By his senior year, McGregor was a full-time starter and helped lead Michigan to a national championship in 2023. He finished his college career with 47 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 7.0 sacks.

He made a significant impact during the preseason, including a notable performance against the Giants. Those who watched the game saw No. 91 sack DeVito three times, once on third down from the edge with a power move.

Expect to see Taylor, Watts, and McGregor switching in and out of the game along the defensive line, providing fresh legs throughout the season.