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New York Jets 2019 rookie profile: Blake Cashman, LB

By Stephen Smith

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 17: Blake Cashman #36 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers tackles Kyric McGowan #8 of the Northwestern Wildcats during the fourth quarter of the game at TCFBank Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Northwestern defeated Minnesota 24-14. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 17: Blake Cashman #36 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers tackles Kyric McGowan #8 of the Northwestern Wildcats during the fourth quarter of the game at TCFBank Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Northwestern defeated Minnesota 24-14. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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The New York Jets selected linebacker Blake Cashman in the fifth round, 157th overall, in the 2019 NFL Draft. Here, we take a look at his rookie profile.

The New York Jets selected linebacker Blake Cashman with the 157th overall pick 2019 NFL Draft. There is no guarantee that the fifth-round selection from Minnesota will definitely make the opening day roster but I would not bet against it. The 6-1, 237-pounder may not have superior athletic ability but he owns a motor that never stops and he’s known as a tough, gritty competitor.

Cashman plays with a great deal of determination and has a real nose for the football. He’s a former walk-on who turned himself into the team captain of the Golden Gophers. That’s really impressive.

He led Minnesota in tackles last year (104) as a WILL linebacker, including 15 tackles for loss. He chipped in with 2.5 sacks and was named to the second-team All-Big Ten squad. Cashman certainly won’t dazzle you with power and speed but don’t bet against him being a solid special teams performer in the NFL and a decent backup linebacker to boot.

Let’s take a look at some of his highlights:

The Eden Prairie, MN native does not jump off the tape like a Quinnen Williams does but you can tell that he gets the absolute most out of his innate athletic ability. Cashman is a sound fundamental tackler who wraps up opponents well. He displays sound flow against stretch plays and has the versatility to line up against tight ends in the slot.

Cashman’s play speed (he ran a 4.5-second 40 at the NFL Combine) and power are average at best, hence the late round selection. But he has to be one of the most tenacious defenders in the entire draft.

Next. NFL Power Rankings: Post-minicamp edition. dark

Cashman had surgery on both shoulders last year so that scenario has to be monitored in training camp. He projects as a prototypical special teams player and reserve linebacker at the next level. You know he’ll be playing with a huge chip on his shoulder. Walk-ons always do. Even veteran Jets players should be inspired by his competitiveness and love for the game this upcoming season.

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