I see a lot of love over the Hackett guy, but I watched that little highlight video, and I noticed that he takes 3-5 steps on most of those good punts. In the NFL you take 1-2 steps and punt because the pressure gets there quicker. Am I wrong here?
No, you are not wrong - there are several issues with his technique. This is the reason why he didn't get drafted despite twice winning the Ray Guy Award as the nation's top punter. His problems are summarized on his draft profile on nfl.com: "WEAKNESSES Primarily rugby style punter with limited exposure as base punter. Scouts unable to get accurate hang time from him because of his punting style. Is a little slow with his snap-to-punt time." He may be able to change his style, but nobody knows this yet. At least he is an interesting competition for our 7th rounder. And both can't be worse than Quigley...
I have seen Middleton play at Ap State -- He is a gamer and has a chance to stick as a special teamer.
I just noticed NFL.com has a list of each team's UDFA, was gonna start a thread on the Jets' ones when I noticed this one popped up... DB Doug Middleton, WR Jalin Marshall, P Tom Hackett, DT Claude Pelon, WR Quenton Bundrage, QB Jason Vander Laan, OL Kyle Friend, WR Robby Anderson, K Ross Martin, DE Lawrence Thomas, K Daniel Sobolewski, DT Tarow Barney, RB Romar Morris, OT Dave Hedelin, OT Dahon Taylor http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...ndrafted-freeagent-deals-for-all-32-nfl-teams Jalin Marshall is the one that really jumps out, PFW had a 2nd/3rd round grade on him! He could be a steal! ...they said he has more upside than teammate Michael Thomas and they called him an eventual starter in the league! Nice!
"There were mock drafts in the months leading up to the NFL Draft that projected former Ohio State players Tyvis Powell and Jalin Marshall as high as third- or fourth-round selections." https://www.cleveland.com/osu/index.ssf/2016/04/former_ohio_state_buckeyes_jal.html
Also hear we have another OT signed - Mathu Gibson OT Wingate University Here are the others mentioned Lawrence Thomas DL Michigan State Highly regarded when leaving HS but has under performed in college but maybe with coaching?? http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1868409/lawrence-thomas RB Romar Morris, North Caroline State A small but really fast third down back who returns kicks http://nsjsports.com/2016/03/23/romar-morris-turns-heads-at-uncs-pro-day/ OT Dave Hedelin, Purdue HAs the size to play but played a limited amount MAJOR CONFUSION HERE AS HE TWEETED HE IS OFF TO THE COWBOYS http://www.hammerandrails.com/2016/...ndrafted-free-agents-david-hedelin-to-cowboys OT Dahon Taylor Virgina Union Another small school developmental prospect who looks the part on the hoof http://www.hudl.com/athlete/593798/dahon-taylor OT Mathu Gibson Mentioned as an aggressive run blocker QB Jason Vander Laan Ferris State Will transition to TE / HB in the pros http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=92376&draftyear=2016&genpos=QB http://www.mlive.com/sports/2016/05/ferris_states_jason_vander_laa.html K Daniel Sobolewski Albright Really stong leg - made two 65 yard FGs during pro day https://www.facebook.com/albrightlions/videos/vb.88264267387/10154572284792388/?type=2&theater
http://larrybrownsports.com/football/jets-terron-beckham-cousin-odell/303079 Hopefully the apple doesn't fall to far from the tree.
I'm really like the signing of Hackett, Middleton, Vander Laan and the camp invite of Terron Beckham Hackett- Most of us know about Hackett - sometimes punts with an unorthodox 3-4 rugby style punt but a 2x Ray Guy award winner Middleton - Dude looks the part though going up against lesser competition Beckham - A low risk project, kicking the tires probobly camp foder but stranger things have happend Vander Laan - Ran across him and Middleton a few months back looking at small school sleepers. DII QB who rushed for 5,953 yards in his career. He runs smooth in traffic. Has been called the poor mans Tebow. Granted he has a real low chance of even making the practice squad as a Halfback/TE. 6'4 250LBs runs a 4.7-4.88 but I pulling for the kid.
How can you have a poor man's Tebow? That's like having a poor mans version of imitation leather Cheap shot, I know.
Say what you want about Tebow but he was a very productive college QB. I think if he was willing to play another position other than QB he might still be in the league.
No argument on if he had been willing to play other positions, but his pride and ego got in the way of that so...
