With pick No. 157 of the 2019 NFL draft, the Jets added to their linebacker corps by selecting Minnesota inside linebacker Blake Cashman.
The selection of the linebacker gives the Jets additional depth behind C.J. Mosley and Avery Williamson. With Darron Lee seemingly on the chopping block, Cashman projects as a backup inside for New York.
Coming out of high school, Cashman joined Minnesota as a preferred walk-on. As a true freshman, he appeared in 13 games on special teams and made four tackles before taking on an increased reserve role as a sophomore. In that season, Cashman made 45 tackles, 7.5 TFLs and earned the Holiday Bowl MVP award thanks to a 12 tackle, two TFL and one sack performance against Washington State.
At season’s end, Cashman was granted a scholarship. He remained a reserve in his junior year, but ascended to the starting lineup last season. As a senior, Cashman led Minnesota with 104 tackles, 15 TFLs, 2.5 sacks and earned third-team All-B1G honors.
