https://heavy.com/sports/new-york-jets/news-kahlef-hailassie-udfa-bernard-converse/ The Jets signed another UDFA to a big guaranteed contract. They signed Kahlef Hailassie, CB out of Western Kentucky to a contract with $167,500 guaranteed. In comparison, last year, they only guaranteed Tony Adams $110,000 last year and he made the team. The year before they signed Bryce Huff to a contract with $90,000 guaranteed. Let's hope that Hailassie will wind up being as good as Huff and Adams. NFL Draft Diamonds analyst Jimmy Williams referred to the CB as a “high impact player” that is “tough, physical [and] versatile,” with “strong coverage skills” and a reliable track record versus the run. CBS Sports scouting also noted his downhill ability in run support, adding that Hailassie has “great size for the position but lacks ideal play strength.” He is typically listed around 6-foot-1 and anywhere from 195 to 200 pounds. “Hailassie is a twitchy athlete who can mirror and match, although he will surrender separation when caught upright and on his heels,” Brugler scouted. “He has outstanding length to crowd the catch point but must do a better locating to pick off passes. As a tackler, he stays balanced as a finisher when working from high to low. He plays fearless with a brash attitude.” The draft analyst concluded that “overall, Hailassie needs to play with more disciplined eyes, but he is long, fluid and controlled in his movements to cover from press or off coverage.”
An interesting name. A mash up of former Emperor of Ethiopia Haile Selassie, the guy who complained to the League of Nations that the Italians were entering his country illegally leading up to WWII. Wonder if there's any connection.
I haven't seen many comments or scouting reports on his speed or change of direction ability, but I wonder if he might be a candidate to switch to FS. On the NFL.com draft profile it says scouts have some concerns over his long speed, but if he plays deep S, that may not be as big an issue with his instincts and tackling ability.
Yes, he does, but more competition won't hurt. Our CBs are better and deeper than our safeties. If we have a DB or two that can do both, that improves flexibility and could save a roster spot for another position.
Welp, we didn't get Hailassie after all. I wonder what happened. From Chiefs wire: "It was previously reported that Western Kentucky CB Kahlef Hailassie had signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent, with over $160K in guaranteed money attached to the contract. That deal seems to have fallen through. Hailassie posted on Twitter on Sunday evening indicating that he’d signed with the Chiefs. The team already has the rookie corner listed on their official roster. It’s unclear what exactly happened or the details surrounding his deal with K.C., but he’s now officially a member of the team."
My guess is that he knew he had no chance to unseat Sauce or Reed as a starter, and in KC he potentially could become a starter. I have to assume that he didn't actually sign with the Jets, but agreed to sign, then before he actually could, the Chiefs called. At least I hope that he didn't renege after signing with us. I did read that he was one of the Chiefs 30 visits so they showed interest in him before the draft. I don't if the Jets had him in for a visit or not.
The QB from Fordham was never offered a contract, only a tryout/invite. Washington offered to sign him. Both UDFAs looking for an opportunity, can't be too upset.
