Undrafted free agent signings to watch at New York Jets NFL Rookie Minicamp who could surprise this season

NFL rookie minicamps are already here! The New York Jets are one of the first NFL teams kicking off their rookie minicamp this weekend May 3-5. All of their draft picks will obviously get the majority of the attention this weekend, but general manager Joe Douglas signed several intriguing undrafted free agents that could surprise this season as well.

It's always difficult for undrafted free agents to make an instant impact on NFL teams, let alone make the team at all, but there are always a few that stand out enough to overcome the odds. Let's dive into some of the top undrafted free agent signings who might just begin their epic NFL story this week at Jets rookie minicamp!

Leonard Taylor III, DL Miami (FL)

It's not too often that a former five star falls so swiftly from grace without some major off-field concerns, but for some reason Leonard Taylor III went completely undrafted after garnering first round hype just a year ago. Taylor started off hot last season just a season removed from posting a 15% pressure rate as an interior defensive lineman (which would have ranked second in this draft class).

However, around the midpoint of last year the coaching staff had him move strictly further inside the A gap and his production nearly completely evaporated. If the Jets choose to line him between the guard and tackle where belongs Taylor could wreak some havoc.

Braiden McGregor, EDGE Michigan

Braiden McGregore was an integral part of the national championship run at Michigan last fall, racking up three sacks in the Big Ten Championship and College Football Playoff games. And while he was never a projected early pick it's rather wild that he went completely undrafted.

At 6'5", 257 pounds he has longer arms than some offensive tackles. He has all the measurables to make a fierce edge defender. It's true he didn't have a long resume of production for the Wolverines, but his high moments were incredible. The Jets need a much deeper edge rotation group, and if he impresses early he could rise to the fourth edge defender role quickly.

Jackson Sirmon, LB California

Linebackers with back to back 100+ tackle seasons at two different schools seldom go completely undrafted, but Sirmon was the exception year. His issue was never in run defense though, it was in coverage throughout his career. If Sirmon can show some improvement in that area in rookie minicamp and beyond, there's a chance he sticks as the team's fourth off-ball linebacker given their lack of depth there.

Tyler Harrell, WR Miami (FL)

Back in 2021 Tyler Harrell was one of the hottest names at the wide receiver position thanks to his explosive 29.2 yards per reception mark in his breakout season for Louisville. However, since then he's caught just six passes as he's transferred twice, failing to catch on at Alabama and Miami. However, even now Harrell still has game-changing speed and should be a nice splashy vertical threat in the NFL.

The one area where the Jets are still severely lacking in their wide receiver room is downfield speed and vertical route tree success. Harrell might not be the ideal answer, but there's a chance for him to prove he could be, at least in the short term, with a good rookie minicamp and summer showing.

Darren Grainger, QB Georgia State

The Jets look like they have a very specific type backing up Aaron Rodgers now. Tyrod Taylor, Jordan Travis, and now Darren Grainger give the team a room full of extremely fun dual threat backup quarterbacks with rocket arms. Darren Grainger posted three straight seasons at Georgia State with at least 18 passing touchdowns and more than 700 rushing yards. While Jordan Travis is still recovering from injury Grainger will have a perfect opportunity prove he's worth a look at not only QB4, but perhaps QB3 or QB2 this spring and summer.

Be looking for more New York Jets coverage here at A to Z Sports all year long! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!

And if you want to watch some Leonard Taylor III highlights to see how he could legitimately star for the Jets you can check out the video below!