Using a pick obtained from the Tennessee Titans, the New York Jets chose Minnesota linebacker Blake Cashman in the fifth round.
Blake Cashman will go from a walk-on in Minneapolis to a draft pick in New York.
The Minnesota linebacker got the call from the New York Jets on Saturday afternoon, as he was named the 157th overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft.
This pick is money.
? https://t.co/QFUGgPMSmT#NFLDraft | #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/d22QJzrG8Q
— New York Jets (@nyjets) April 27, 2019
Cashman joined the Gophers as a walk-on. Two years later, he earned his scholarship, breaking out with 45 tackles and 7.5 sacks in his sophomore season in 2016. That tally features a pair of multi-sack games, both Gopher wins in conference competition. That season ended with Cashman earning 12 tackles, three for a loss, and a sack in a Holiday Bowl win over Washington State
He departs Minnesota with 183 tackles in total, 31 for a loss. His last season featured 104 total tackles, good for eighth in the Big Ten. Coaches later named him to the all-conference squad.
‘Former walk-ons usually have chips on their shoulders that are permanent fixtures and Cashman is no different,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein in a scouting report. “He’s made the most out of every opportunity he’s created for himself, but his lack of athletic traits and length create a small margin for error in his play. If he can improve in taking on blocks and play more instinctively, he could have a chance as a back-end backup and core special-teamer.”
The Jets obtained this selection through a trade with the Tennessee Titans, essentially swapping fourth and fifth-round picks. Tennessee chose Iowa safety Amani Hooker with their yield, while the Jets took West Virginia tight end Trevon Wesco five picks later. The Titans will pick again at 168th.
Currently, the Jets have one more draft pick on the afternoon, the 196th overall pick in the second round.
