New York Jets: Grades for every rookie in 2018 draft class

The New York Jets had some solid rookie contributions last year despite a 4-12 record. Here we take a look at Gang Green’s 2018 rookie report card.

It was another season to forget in 2018 for the New York Jets. Todd Bowles was fired at the end of the season as Gang Green finished at a very disappointing 4-12 and in last place in the AFC East. So what else is new?

With that being said, there were some positives. It was not all gloom and doom. Jamal Adams made his second straight Pro Bowl at strong safety and Andre Roberts was named a First-Team All-Pro as a kick returner. Some rookie players made an impact as well.

Let’s take a look at the rookie report card for the green and white.

Sam Darnold, QB, First Round (Third overall)

The only thing that really mattered in 2018 was the development of the rookie signal-caller from USC. After a shaky start, Darnold really came on strong over the last quarter of the campaign and that gives long-suffering Jets fans hope, legitimate hope, for the future.

The 6-3, 225-pounder finished with 17 touchdown passes and 15 interceptions. More importantly, however, was the fact that after returning from a foot injury, Darnold tossed six touchdown passes with just one interception over New York’s final four contests.

Darnold led a dramatic fourth quarter comeback to lead Gang Green to a 27-23 triumph over Buffalo in Week 14. During the last quarter of the season Darnold looked more poised, confident and in control than he did earlier in the year. He can make all NFL throws and is excellent at throwing on the run. He looks like the real deal and his future is very bright indeed. Grade: B-

Nathan Shepherd, DT, Third Round (72nd overall)

The massive 6-4, 315-pounder was a disappointment, plain and simple, in 2018. The 25-year old lineman matriculated from Division II Fort Hays State and there were concerns entering the season as to how he could adapt to NFL-level competition.

Well, let’s just say he has a long way to go. Shepherd started just five games and recorded 15 total tackles in 16 games. He struggled at times against the run although he did have five QB hits. Shepherd still has a high ceiling, but he must show improvement this coming season. Grade: D

Chris Herndon, TE, Fourth Round (107th overall)

The University of Miami product won the starting gig during the summer and proved to be a solid starter for the Jets. Herndon still needs to improve his run blocking but he started 12 of 16 games and finished with 39 catches for 502 yards (12.9 yards per catch) and four touchdowns. He was an effective target in the red zone and showed strong improvement as the year wore on. Herndon seemed to have fine chemistry with Darnold, which is very key moving forward. Grade: B

Parry Nickerson, CB, Sixth Round (179th overall)

Speed is the name of Nickerson’s game, but he struggled for the most part during his rookie campaign. He started just two games and due to his slender size (5-10, 182 pounds) had trouble with physical receivers. Nickerson recorded 21 tackles (one for loss) and just one pass defensed. Grade: D+

Foley Fatukasi, DE, Sixth Round (180th overall)

The former UCONN star appeared briefly in just one game — Nov. 25 against New England — and was pretty much invisible. Grade: Incomplete

dark. Next. 2019 NFL Mock Draft: Kyler goes No. 1

Trenton Cannon, RB, Sixth Round (204th overall)

The speedy former Virginia State star was an effective special teams performer and did a solid job sticking as a late sixth round pick. That was his biggest contribution to Gang Green. Cannon finished with 257 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown in limited play over 16 games. He looks like a keeper though. Grade: C

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New York Jets: Grading their 2018 rookie class

By Stephen Smith | Jan 22, 2019