NY Jets sign five more 2021 NFL Draft picks before rookie minicamp

The NY Jets have now officially signed more than half of their 2021 NFL Draft class after inking deals with five new rookies on Friday, ahead of the start of rookie minicamp.

The Jets announced that they had signed fifth-round picks Michael Carter II and Jason Pinnock and sixth-round picks Hamsah Nasirildeen, Brandin Echols, and Jonathan Marshall to standard four-year rookie contracts.

They join fifth-round pick, Auburn linebacker Jamien Sherwood, as members of the team's 2021 draft class who have signed their rookie deals.

That leaves just Zach Wilson, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Elijah Moore, and Michael Carter as the only four members of the class to have not officially signed contracts — notably the first four players the Jets drafted.

The NY Jets are quickly signing most of their 2021 NFL Draft class

The Jets have been very proactive with their rookie signings so far having officially signed more than half their draft class. In fact, only 12 members of the entire 2021 NFL Draft class have signed their rookie deals.

Six of those players are on the Jets.

For whatever reason, the Jets have wasted no time signing their rookies. Of course, fans would like to see players like Wilson, Vera-Tucker, and Moore sign their deals sooner rather than later. But expect those to follow in the near future.

Of the five rookies the Jets signed on Friday, three of them are cornerbacks. The likes of Michael Carter II, Jason Pinnock, and Brandin Echols will compete for playing time in a suddenly crowded cornerback room.

As for Nasirildeen, he will compete for snaps on both defense and special teams. The former Florida State star is switching positions in the NFL and should be in the mix at the weak-side linebacker position.

Don't be shocked if he wins the starting job before long.

Marshall is another player who will be looking to crack the rotation on defense, although his playing time will come along the defensive line.

The athletic defensive tackle played out of position at Arkansas but will be looking to realize his potential under the tutelage of Robert Saleh in New York.

The Jets have gotten a head start on signing their rookie class. Six down, four to go.