New York Jets: Two rookies that might see significant playing time

Two rookies for the New York Jets, Nathan Shepherd and Parry Nickerson, may see significant playing time in 2018.

The buzz around New York Jets training camp early on was about Sam Darnold not signing his rookie contract. Sure, even though he’s signed, he’s still getting a lot of buzz, because he’s a quarterback, but it’s also nice to see other players getting buzz, especially other rookies.

According to the media contingent on the grounds two rookies are making their presence known in Jets camp — Parry Nickerson and Nathan Shepherd.

In fact Connor Hughes of The Athletic tweeted that Nickerson is “turning heads” in training camp thus far:

Pro Football Focus says that, despite his lack of experience in the role of nickel corner in college, his skills translate to the NFL in that role. With Buster Skrine allowing 39 catches on 60 targets, 457 yards (217 after the catch), three touchdowns and a 104.7 passer rating as a nickel corner in 2017, you can see why the Jets would consider it.

Laura Albenese of Newsday reported that Nathan Shepherd is now practicing with the first-team defense of the Jets as well. If that’s the case, we could see a lot of Shepherd in 2018. He has the size and athletic ability to play nose tackle and 3-technique defensive end.

It makes sense for Darnold to get a bulk of the coverage, especially with the expectations surrounding him. That said, the defense will be the main reason this team is successful in 2018. So, it makes sense for the defensive rookies to be making some noise and getting noticed at camp too.

Not many expect these two to make a significant contribution early in their careers. That said, if they both can continue on the trajectory they seem to be on early in camp, the sky is the limit for both of them, and it will be a huge boost to the Jets defense.