Javelin Guidry brings quick feet and a chip on his shoulder to the Jets.
The undrafted free agent, who contributed in all three seasons at the University of Utah, left school early expecting to be drafted. Guidry did not hear his name called, however. Despite his favorable tests and measurements at the NFL Scouting Combine, the defensive back was unable to get a team to gamble on him.
Instead, the Jets were able to scoop him up as an undrafted free agent. New York’s secondary has some question marks and Guidry can perform on special teams as a gunner, so he has a chance to make the team. With that in mind, let’s get to know Guidry a bit better.
Track Star
Javelin Guidry opted to go in a different route for college, taking advantage of being a two-sport athlete in high school. As a senior at Vista Murrieta High School in California, Guidry earned all-conference honors in football and won a state title in the 100-meter dash event.
Following his arrival at the University of Utah, Guidry did not give up his love for track despite playing football for the Utes. He placed sixth in the Winter 2019 United States Indoor Championships.
Combine Warrior
Javelin Guidry was able to run in his way into the national spotlight after an exceptional performance at the NFL combine in February.
Showing off his sprinter speed, Guidry ran a time of 4.29 in the 40-yard dash, making him and University of Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (4.27) the only two players to run a time under 4.3 seconds at this year’s combine.
Also, the 5-foot-9, 193-pound cornerback was able to bench 225 pounds 21 times, becoming the first player to lift that much with a sub-4.3 40-yard dash since 2003, according to NFL Research.
Football Family
Several members of Javelin Guidry’s family have made names for themselves at UCLA.
His father (Javelin Sr.), uncle (Paul) and brother (Elisha) all suited up for the Bruins at one point. Guidry’s father and uncle became the first brother combination to ever start together in the secondary in the school’s history. Elisha started in all 12 games at defensive back during his redshirt freshman season in 2019.
What he brings to the table
Speed is the name of the game in the NFL, with teams trying to find an egde in the vertical passing game. Javelin Gudiry’s most redeeming quality is his speed and his ability to keep up with wide receivers who are home-run threats.
After forgoing his senior season at Utah, Guidry was expected to be selected on Day 3 of the 2020 NFL Draft. Guidry was able to put himself on NFL scouts’ radar in 2019, posting 42 tackles and six pass breakups in 12 starts. He also earned an All-Pac-12 honorable mention for the second consecutive season.
Despite being a bit undersized for the position, Guidry isn’t afraid to stick out his nose and is a more than willing tackler. He has the speed and athletic ability to man the slot and be a reliable special teams contributor. For now, he needs to be coached up in New York in order to become a nickel cornerback at the next level. He’s certainly worth the risk as an in-house look to replace Brian Poole following the 2020 season.
