NY Jets: 5 breakout performers the team should build around

4. Isaiah Dunn, CB, NY Jets

The franchise’s highest-paid undrafted free agent to date (guaranteed base salary of $160,000 with a $25,000 signing bonus) was a head-scratcher to most. Isaiah Dunn was not even on most draft boards.

The four-year starting cornerback for perennial Pac-12 whipping boys Oregon State recorded 115 total tackles, 18 pass breakups, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and zero career interceptions in college. 

Experts recognized his coverage skills and athleticism — a track star who played football with Najee Harris at Oakland’s Antioch High, but those zero interceptions raised questions of his gridiron instincts.

In the end, his development and potential upside were the biggest reason for coach Saleh jettisoning Blessuan Austin before final cuts.

On Sunday, Dunn made his regular-season debut, only on the field for three snaps — yet he made his presence felt, especially with a pass breakup on a critical third-down late in the fourth quarter.

Expect this coaches’ favorite to work into the cornerback rotation as this season moves forwards.