When Bryce Huff was not among the 255 selections in the 2020 NFL Draft, it came as surprise.
During his senior campaign at Memphis, Huff led the Tigers with 15.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 16 quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles. He ranked fourth in the nation among pass-rushers in 2019 with 64 total pressures. The rise in production came after the Memphis coaching staff moved him from outside linebacker to defesnive end.
Now an undrafted free agent with the Jets, Huff has a real chance of making a team in desperate need of pass-rush help. For what it’s worth, he certainly expects to make an impact.
“I feel like my effort and my motor are definitely going to translate over,” Huff told Jets team reporter Olivia Landis. “My ability to make different pass-rush moves and mix it up on offensive lines will keep some offensive tackles on their edge in the league.”
Huff’s production at Memphis is why Joe Douglas gave him the most guaranteed money out of the Jets’ undrafted free agent class. Huff received $90,000 in guaranteed money, which includes a $15,000 signing bonus and a $75,000 guaranteed base salary.
It’s likely that even with a limited training camp, Huff will be able to play himself into a roster spot because the Jets are lacking necessary depth at edge rusher. Beyond Jordan Jenkins, who signed a one-year deal to return to New York, are Jabari Zuniga, Tarrell Basham, Harvey Langi and Frankie Luvu. All of them are unproven, though Zuniga, New York’s third-round pick, and Basham have a chance to start opposite Jenkins.
The Jets didn’t do much to address the pass-rushing position in free agency, so landing Huff as a priority undrafted free agent, in addition to Zuniga, has the potential to be a steal. He was originally projected to be a mid-round draft pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. While he didn’t hear his name called this past April, he plans on coming in with a chip on his shoulder and being a problem for opposing defenses in 2020.
“The plan just entails just me having a chance to come in and make an impact on defense in the ‘backer position or the edge position,” Huff said. “As long as I’m able to come in and do what I’m supposed to do, I should be able to make an impact this year.”