Jets signed one of the most valuable UDFAs following 2024 NFL Draft

The Jets received mostly positive reviews from their 2024 NFL Draft class, anchored by their decision to take offensive lineman Olu Fashanu in the first round and trade up for wide receiver Malachi Corley in the third.

New York made seven total selections in the draft, but one of their best moves came after the final played was picked (by the Jets, no less). The Jets signed 10 undrafted free agents and finished sixth in total value, according to the consensus board. 

The best of the bunch, though, was 21-year-old defensive lineman Leonard Taylor III out of Miami. Taylor was the No. 117 ranked player on the consensus board, per Arif Hasan of "Wide Left," meaning he theoretically should have been drafted somewhere between the fourth and fifth rounds. Instead, he dropped all the way out of the draft and signed with the Jets.

Jets' Leonard Taylor III among the most valuable UDFAs

Taylor III, a 6-foot-3, 303-pound defensive lineman tallied six sacks, 22.5 tackles for a loss and 64 combined tackles in 25 games for the Hurricanes from 2021 to 2023. He also had 53 pressures on 870 snaps, per Pro Football Focus.

NFL.com's Lance Zierlein had a fourth-to-fifth-round grade on Taylor and called him a "feast-or-famine interior lineman" whose "technique and fundamentals need work." Bleacher Report's Matt Holder confirmed the fourth-round grade and compared Taylor III to Eagles defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. The Athletic's Dane Brugler wrote that there is "untapped potential" with Taylor.

Taylor's inconsistent tape is a concern, as is his injury history. He had surgery to repair an injured shoulder, missed all of spring practices in 2023 and then the final two games of the season with an undisclosed injury. He also suffered a foot injury in 2022 that forced him to miss one game.

However, the pros outweigh the cons for Taylor. He's a big-bodied player in the middle of the defensive line who could see action in Year 1 if he can make a name for himself during rookie minicamp and in the training camp. The Jets don't need an interior defensive lineman, but the departure of John Franklin-Myers leaves a possible spot on the roster for Taylor.

Here are the top five most valuable UDFA's, according to the consensus draft board.

Who is Jets UDFA Leonard Taylor III?

Taylor III was a five-star recruit out of Miami who committed to play for his hometown Hurricanes.

He played nine game as a true freshman and tallied 21 total tackles where he tied for the team with 7.5 tackles for a loss. Taylor III earned All-ACC Honorable Mention honors as a sophomore in 2022 where he finished with 24 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss and three sacks.

Taylor's numbers dipped as a junior this past season, though. He only tallied 19 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss and one sack.

Taylor left money on the table to go to the NFL, too. He would have made at least $600,000 in NIL money if he stayed at Miami, per Zach Soskin.

Jets 2024 UDFA class

Here is the full Jets UDFA class list: