New York Jets rookie defensive end Jachai Polite was regarded early on in the NFL draft process as one of the top edge rushing prospects. However, after the NFL combine and interview process character questions and athleticism questions arose.
This ultimately caused Polite’s stock to drop. Earlier on it seemed as though he would be an early day two or a late day one pick but instead, he found himself falling into the laps of the old Jets front office regime.Â
Jachai always had the potential to be an amazing addition to whatever team he joined. He began his career at Florida with 11 tackles, 2.0 sacks and 3.5 TFLs. He only played 9 games and showed potential for greater results. Then in 2017, Jachai started off strong but ended up suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. He finished the season with 22 tackles, 5.5 TFLs and 2.0 sacks.
Last season, he showed the world what he could do. Jachai finished with 45 tackles, 19.5 TFLs, 11.0 sacks and 6 forced fumbles. That’s an impressive stat line that doesn’t even fully speak to what he did on the field. Jachai consistently made life hell for the opposition.Â
Now, Jachai joins the Jets looking to prove he was the steal of last year‘s draft. The Jets have lacked a genuine edge-rushing attack for what feels like forever.
How is the New York Jets defensive line looking?
Now with Henry Anderson, Leonard Williams and Quinnen Williams providing a dangerous interior rushing attack, it’s time for someone to step up off the edge. Who else but the guy who was overlooked and underestimated throughout his college career and NFL draft process to step up and become the edge rusher the Jets have lacked for so long.
Jachai is out to not only prove his doubters wrong but to show the world he can be a dominant edge rusher in this league. Expect some success from him early but in the future, this man will be a monster. So, maybe not this season but in the long haul, why can’t Jachai Polite be the answer to the Jets edge-rushing woes?