The New York Jets executed some roster finagling at the beginning of training camp. Goodbye Courtney Upshaw, hello Shaneil Jenkins.
It’s no secret that the New York Jets desperately need pass-rushing help. Many of us in the media thought a logical fit was former second-round pick Courtney Upshaw, who made the team back in a tryout during mandatory minicamp.
After months of anticipation, training camp started and there was a noticeable figure on defense who wasn’t there (Upshaw). With him not on the field, the Jets then released a statement revealing that Courtney had been placed on the “non-football injury list.”
When head coach Todd Bowles was asked about the cause of his absence, he simply said that the team saw some things. When he was questioned further, he didn’t elaborate, but did say that they were putting Upshaw on a bike for a few days.
Well, he didn’t up lasting that long because the Jets ended up making the switch from Upshaw to a talented defensive line prospect in Shaneil Jenkins on Saturday afternoon.
Jenkins is a 3-4 defensive end weighing nearly 300 pounds.
Bowles cited that Jenkins was a better scheme fit for what they’re trying to do. Although from what I heard inside the building, they weren’t pleased with Upshaw’s conditioning entering camp.
Regardless of the reason, they moved on, the edge rush is a huge area of concern heading into the season and while Jenkins isn’t a clear-cut edge man, it seems like the Jets are hoping to strike lightning in a bottle with the signing.
This kid is a Shepherd University product who has played in 47 collegiate games. The production is certainly there. Shaneil totaled 100 tackles (41.5 for loss) and 27 sacks, per NewYorkJets.com. The 6-foot-4, 275-pounder was named Mountain East Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2015 after recording 41 tackles, 23 stops for loss and 13.5 sacks in 14 games.
If the green and white can get half of that production, they’ll be very happy with their latest transaction.
