A lot has been said and written about Joe Douglas’ ability to build a roster. Whether it’s through free agency or the draft, Douglas proved at every stop he is capable of building a competent team. One of his many skills that goes mostly unnoticed, though, is his ability to identify undrafted rookies who can become contributors and even starters in the league early on.
Douglas played an integral role in finding undrafted free agents for the Ravens during his time as a scout from 2000-2014. Former Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome told ESPN back in March that he put Douglas in charge of finding undrafted free agents to sign during his time as a scout. Thanks to Douglas’ efforts, the Ravens have been one of the most successful franchises when it comes to finding undrafted free agents. They’ve rostered at least one undrafted rookie in 16 consecutive years, according to ESPN. Some of those players included Pro Bowl kicker Justin Tucker, Pro Bowl long snapper Morgan Cox, safety Will Demps and newly-signed Jets linebacker Patrick Onwuasor.
“We’ve made a living getting two or three college free agents a year,” Newsome said. “It started with Joe D. and his ability to lay the foundation for that program.”
The Jets haven’t been awful in the UDFA market, but they haven’t been great, either. Defensive lineman Kyle Phillips is the most recent success story after tallying 39 combined tackles, seven tackles for a loss, six quarterback hits and 1.5 sacks in 2019. Robby Anderson had a great four-year career in New York before he left in free agency. Defensive end Damon Harrison came out of nowhere after going undrafted in 2012 and started every single game for the Jets from 2013-2015 and tallied 193 combined tackles.
Douglas’ arrival means the Jets could soon bear the fruits of his scouting labors. Douglas signed nine undrafted players this offseason – three defensive backs, two wide receivers, two defensive linemen, one edge rusher and one offensive tackle – and the Jets hope to see a similar return on investment that the Ravens enjoyed over the last 16 seasons.
Any of those players could become important for the Jets. Douglas gave edge rusher Bryce Huff the most money of any UDFA – $90,00 guaranteed – and he plays a position of need for the Jets. Offensive tackle Jared Hilbers – who earned a $62,000 guarantee – has a great chance to make the roster as well because of his position in the Jets’ tackle depth chart. Receivers Lawrence Cager and George Campbell would provide big targets for Sam Darnold, and defensive backs Lamar Jackson, Javelin Guidry and Shyheim Carter all have the makings of great depth players in the secondary.
The Jets will need help from anywhere and everywhere after an up and down first season under Adam Gase. Douglas laid the groundwork with a solid offseason, but now it’s on the coaching staff and the players to put it all together. There is still a big need across the roster, and Adam Gase will need help from anywhere and everywhere in order to field a winning team.