NY Jets sign first player from the 2021 NFL Draft class

The NY Jets have gotten a head start on the rookie signing process becoming the first team to sign one of their 2021 NFL Draft picks as they reportedly signed Jamien Sherwood on Wednesday morning.

As first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Jets have signed Sherwood, a fifth-round pick, to a standard rookie contract marking the first of 259 draft picks to sign a deal.

Sherwood was one of six players the Jets added on Day 3 of the draft and one of three picks the team made in the fifth round. In total, the Jets made 10 selections over the course of the three-day event last weekend.

Sherwood is the first to be officially added to the active roster.

The NY Jets hope to see Jamien Sherwood contribute in multiple ways

A one-year starter at Auburn, Sherwood was a reliable, versatile safety for the Tigers in 2020. After two years spent primarily as a reserve player or special-teamer, Sherwood cracked the starting lineup this past year.

In 11 games, the Florida native racked up 75 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, and three pass deflections. Perhaps Sherwood's biggest flaw comes with his lack of ideal athleticism.

Sherwood was underwhelming at his pro day running a 4.74 40-yard dash and his lack of speed shows up on tape. It's why the Jets likely plan to use him as more of a true linebacker than a safety.

The 21-year-old is a sure tackler with good size and length that should allow him to have success playing around the line of scrimmage. He's an old-school type of player with an aggressive demeanor and playstyle.

On top of that, Sherwood was a also a standout special-teamer in all three years at Auburn. The Jets have clearly placed a renewed focus on their special teams this offseason and Sherwood is likely a part of that.

Expect Sherwood to compete for playing time on both special teams and defense at WILL linebacker where he should have some competition in fellow rookie Hamsah Nasirildeen.

The Jets have officially begun the rookie signing process. One down, nine to go.