When the Jets drafted Jachai Polite in the third round of last week’s draft, it was with the thought that he could imminently help as a pass-rusher.
Polite is a talented edge defender who was a sack artist at the University of Florida. Once considered a consensus first-round pick, he tanked his draft stock due to poor combine interviews, bad workouts and gained weight. It was because of this that the Jets were able to pounce on him in the third round of the draft.
Now, Polite is primed to be a breakout player on Gregg Williams’ defensive front, where he projects favorably as a 3-4 outside linebacker. He has the burst, flexibility and athleticism to become an impact rusher at the next level. Better yet, he can do it right away; he’s poised to be New York’s most impactful rookie not named Quinnen Williams in 2019.
The issue besides effort and attitude with Polite is that he is not a plus run-defender nor had he been asked to drop back into coverage while with the Florida Gators. However, the what the Jets really need is someone who can get to the quarterback, and Polite should have no issues there.
That said, Polite may have to wait his turn to start right away. Jordan Jenkins has one outside spot locked down, while Brandon Copeland did an admirable job in 2018. The Jets should ease Polite in a situational pass-rusher on passing downs to begin.
The Jets rolled the dice on Polite with their first pick of Day 2, hoping to finally have landed an impact pass-rusher. While none of the Jets’ 2019 draft class is flawless, Polite has the biggest upside other than Williams. Following him is a trio of prospects that have “project” written all over them.
Lining up on the same line that as Quinnen Williams, Leonard Williams and Henry Anderson, as well as a linebacker room that includes both C.J. Mosley and Avery Williamson, should pay dividends for Polite. He may not be a star right away, but expect the rookie to make some waves in 2019.
