Jets sign fifth-round pick CB Bryce Hall

On Monday, Jets’ fifth-round pick CB Bryce Hall became the first member of the Jets’ 2020 NFL Draft class to sign their rookie deal.

Jets’ fifth-round draft choice Bryce Hall became the team’s first pick to sign his rookie deal on Monday.

Hall signed a four-year deal worth $3.6 million. The University of Virginia product was the lone cornerback in the Jets’ 2020 draft class and now he is just one of nine draft picks signed by Gang Green.

The Jets selected Hall with the 158th pick. He slipped down draft boards after suffering a gruesome ankle injury that ended his college career. He broke his fibula and tore his deltoid ligament. Hall did say that he anticipates being ready for training camp if teams are allowed at their facilities by then.

A four-year starter at Virginia, Hall recorded 154 tackles, five interceptions, 38 pass breakups, four sacks and three forced fumbles in 42 games played.

If healthy, Hall is likely to compete with Blessaun Austin, Arthur Maulet and Quincy Wilson for snaps or possibly even a starting role.

Jets WR Denzel Mims claims blocking is his strongest skill

Denzel Mims is a playmaker with the ball in his hands but believes that his blocking is the strongest part of his repertoire as a receiver.

While Jets WR Denzel Mims brings a lot of positive attributes to the table, the second-round pick out of Baylor believes that the most well-rounded part of his game is his blocking.

The Jets are hoping Mims can be a go-to receiver for them as a rookie. He’s speedy — he ran a 4.38 40-yard dash — and has plus contested-catch ability. He recorded 66 catches for 1,020 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns in his final collegiate season. And yet, the pass-catcher feels that he’s at his best when he’s away from the football.

“I can say the strongest part of my game is really my blocking,” Mims said in an interview with Jets team reporters. “I am a guy that really loves to block and I take pride in that. You got to block for your running backs and your quarterback because if I want the ball and I want them to be able to trust me, I feel like I need to think the game when it comes to blocking first. Then, I will be able to catch the balls.”

Shout out to Denzel Mims for blocking his ass off at every opportunity. He might not get a lot of credit for it because we get distracted by everything else he does well, but trust me coaches notice this effort.

Gruden and Mayock would love this dude to be on their team. pic.twitter.com/A80WPlk4Kv

— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) March 2, 2020

While the Jets anticipate Mims being a playmaker in the passing game, his willingness to stick out his nose in the run game should also be a big boost for New York.

Adam Gase plans to use more of an outside-zone run scheme in 2020 in hopes of properly utilizing Le’Veon Bell. Gase knows that Bell has the proper traits to be effective in this scheme, but the Jets didn’t have the correct personnel to run behind in 2019. With a revamped offensive line and a more than willing blocker in Mims, the change should add an additional element to a Jets offense that ranked 32nd in yards per play last season.

Early on, Mims already has a chance to make an immediate impact as a complement to both Breshad Perriman and Jamison Crowder. Still, it’s impressive that a rookie who has yet to step on an NFL field already knows that his blocking will open up the playbook for himself and those around him.

2020 NFL Draft: Sam Darnold, Bless Austin among Jets’ winners and losers

Sam Darnold and Bless Austin are among the Jets winners and losers following the completion of the 2020 NFL Draft.

The Jets went into the 2020 NFL Draft with the main objective of making sure Sam Darnold has the tools around him to become a better quarterback in 2020.

New York certainly did that, adding two offensive linemen and two skill players. The Jets put Darnold in a better position to succeed than they ever have before. At the same time, they were able to find value on the defensive side of the ball, adding more contributors for Gregg Williams to utilize. The draft has unintended consequences and while some may reap its benefits, there are other players who have been put on notice by the organization.

Now that it’s over, let’s take a look at the Jets’ winners and losers from the 2020 NFL Draft.

Winner: Sam Darnold

Joe Douglas promised Sam Darnold’s parents he would do everything in his power to protect their son. Douglas did that with the selections of Mekhi Becton and Cameron Clark, two physical bullies on the line who will be menacing in the run game and ensure the protection of their quarterback.

In addition, Douglas was able to add a wide receiver, Denzel Mims, who has the potential to be a No. 1 at the next level. His wide catch radius should certainly improve the Jets’ struggles in the red zone in years past. Also coming aboard is Florida running back La’Mical Perine, who is an ideal dual-threat back to complement Le’Veon Bell.

While the Jets may have wanted to add another pass catcher, they’ve certainly put Darnold in a better position to succeed from a protection standpoint. There is still the undrafted free agency period and veterans will shake loose once training camp is underway. For now, Darnold is in a better position after this weekend than he ever has been in a Jets uniform.

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