The Jets have signed third-round draft choice Jachai Polite, per Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News (via Twitter). That leaves only No. 3 overall pick Quinnen Williams and fellow third-rounder Chuma Edoga left unsigned from Gang Green’s 2019 class.
Polite will be an interesting story to follow, as the Florida product is a player who once had first-round buzz but who slipped after bombing at the combine. Polite also saw his stock plummet thanks to rumblings about his work ethic and unwillingness to do what was asked of him by coaches, and he was battling hamstring issues as of last month.
Jets GM Mike Maccagnan, though, seems to think his coaching staff can maximize Polite’s potential. Maccagnan said after the draft, “We know some of the risk in [Polite]. We also think there are some very good qualities about him.”
And New York could certainly use Polite’s pass rushing ability. Polite racked up 11 sacks during his final season with the Gators, and the Jets finished in the middle of the pack last year with 39 quarterback takedowns.
Polite joins a revamped front seven that includes Williams — viewed as perhaps the best overall player in the 2019 draft — and C.J. Mosley. The team also re-upped 2018 breakout performer Henry Anderson.
Per the CBA slotting system for rookies, Polite’s deal will be a four-year pact worth a total of $3.6MM. It includes a $1.1MM signing bonus.