The Jets went back to the defense with the 157th overall pick, grabbing speedy linebacker Blake Cashman out of Minnesota.
He’s a bit undersized at 6-foot-1, 237 pounds, but Cashman plays with incredible speed and quickness. He posted impressive numbers at the NFL combine for his position, running a 4.51 40-yard dash, a 6.95 cone, a 4.12 shuttle and a 10-4 broad jump. His agility will get him behind the line of scrimmage, but it is tough for him to muscle his way through the offensive line on pure strength alone.
Cashman has a nose for the ball carrier and is great at play recognition. He racked up 105 total tackles during his senior season at Minnesota, including 15 tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks.
Much like the start of his collegiate career, Cashman should start as a special teams player with a limited role on defense. He adds depth to inside linebacker but will begin as the Jets’ seventh-best player at the position. If Cashman can prove his ability this offseason, he could see a few snaps throughout the season.
This pick could mean the Jets are closer to getting rid of Darron Lee, or as a contingency plan for when Lee is let go down the road. Cashman and Lee are both 6-foot-1 and posted similar numbers at the combine. Cashman, though, is about 20 pounds heavier than Lee and was much more productive in college.
Cashman has the opportunity to become a contributor on the Jets defense, and he’ll get the chance to learn from one of the best inside linebackers in the business in C.J. Mosley.
