5 under-the-radar NY Jets who impressed in the Panthers game

You'd be hard-pressed to find a more encouraging preseason performance than the one the NY Jets put forth in their resounding 27-0 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Saturday.

It was a complete performance by the Jets, who saw standout games from the likes of Jermaine Johnson, Bryce Huff, Michael Carter, Israel Abanikanda, and a number of other notable players.

To be honest, there are simply too many standout performances from Saturday's preseason game to list. It wasn't just the notable players, either.

The preseason is all about the under-the-radar roster bubble players, and the following five on this list made the most of their snaps and absolutely helped improve their stock.

5. Trey Dean, S, NY Jets

Following an impressive debut in the Jets' preseason opener, undrafted rookie Trey Dean put together another excellent showing in his second game.

Dean finished with five total tackles, including two run stops and a Pro Football Focus tackling grade of 81.1. The Florida product graded out well in coverage as well, allowing just one catch for five yards on the day.

Dean was one of the more notable undrafted players the Jets signed this spring, and he has a chance to push the incumbent Ashtyn Davis for a roster spot.

The Jets like what Davis brings on special teams, but through two games, it's hard to argue that Dean hasn't outplayed his position-mate. He has two more games to prove that he deserves a spot on the 53-man roster over Davis.

4. Jimmy Moreland, CB, NY Jets

The Jets' defensive line received most of the credit for the team's dominant defensive showing on Saturday, but the team's secondary was just as impressive. One player who had another strong game was cornerback Jimmy Moreland.

With five Jets cornerbacks not playing, Moreland played more snaps than any defensive player on the roster. He finished with a PFF grade of 71.3, allowing four catches on seven targets for just 31 yards.

Moreland was also impressive in run defense, as he finished tied for second on the team with two run stops. The former James Madison standout is hardly an unproven commodity, either, with 37 games and 10 career starts under his belt.

Moreland has a chance to push Bryce Hall for a roster spot, especially with the latter out nursing an injury. If Moreland can prove his worth on special teams, he has a real shot to make the 53-man roster.

3. Zaire Barnes, LB, NY Jets

The Jets are holding an open competition for their third starting linebacker job, and while Jamien Sherwood is the presumed favorite, rookie Zaire Barnes made quite the impression on Saturday.

Barnes led the Jets with eight tackles and recorded a whopping four run stops — twice as many as any other player on the team. While he was tagged with allowing five catches in coverage, those catches resulted in just 14 total yards.

Barnes' 78.8 PFF grade was the highest of any linebacker on either team in Saturday's game. While Sherwood also put together an impressive performance, Barnes made a significant impact after an inconsistent debut last week.

It's still likely that Sherwood ends up with the starting job, but Barnes showed something on Saturday. At the very least, the Jets expect him to be a core special-teamer this season.

2. Bruce Hector, DT, NY Jets

The Jets signed veteran defensive tackle Bruce Hector just four days before Saturday's preseason game. The former XFL standout had barely settled into his new locker room, but that didn't stop him from excelling in his Jets debut.

Hector was one of the best players on the field on Saturday, earning an elite 90.7 PFF grade which includes a ridiculous 90.5 pass-rush grade. Take PFF grades for what they're worth, but Hector was the highest-graded player on either team in this weekend's game.

The USF product recorded a sack, two total pressures, a run stop, and a nasty forced fumble and recovery on the Panthers' first drive of the third quarter.

It speaks to the volume of the Jets' defensive line depth that a five-year NFL veteran and XFL star signed four days ago could immediately come in and contribute at a high level. Hector likely won't make the 53-man roster, but he could sneak onto the practice squad despite his late addition.

1. Brandin Echols, CB, NY Jets

Brandin Echols is the most relevant player on this list, but I still feel as though he's underappreciated by most Jets fans. Echols would likely start on some NFL rosters, and Saturday's game was further proof of that.

The former Kentucky star was outstanding against the Panthers, allowing zero total catches on two targets. His 88.4 PFF grade was among the highest of any defensive back in football this week.

Echols even recorded a run stop on his only tackle while also finishing with a near-elite 85.9 PFF coverage grade. He only played 14 snaps, but Echols was one of the best players on the field.

Echols is suspended for the first game of the season, but he will return in Week 2 as the Jets' primary backup cornerback. He's quietly put together an excellent summer.