WATCH: Intriguing rookie Blake Cashman likely first in line for increased role at LB

The Jets are searching for answers to fill the void at linebacker, and rookie Blake Cashman should be the first player they turn to.
WATCH: Intriguing rookie Blake Cashman likely first in line for increased role at LB
WATCH: Intriguing rookie Blake Cashman likely first in line for increased role at LB /

Once a considered a position of strength for the New York Jets, the current landscape of the linebacker contingent is suddenly faced with many unknown variables after the season-ending injury to Avery Williamson and four-game suspension for Brandon Copeland

While the position has been all but stripped of its talented core of veterans, it will afford younger players an opportunity to etch out a role early in their Jets tenure. The player that benefits the most, however, is fifth-round pick Blake Cashman. 

The Jets selected Cashman with the 157th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft following a productive career at Minnesota. Originally a walk-on, it took Cashman two years to earn a scholarship, before ultimately becoming a team captain and one of the premier linebackers in college football. 

The former Golden Gopher amassed 183 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, six passes defended, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery during his four-year run in Saint Paul. 

The 23-year-old garnered significant buzz at the NFL Scouting Combine. He took talent evaluators by storm after running a blazing 4.5 40-yard dash, recording a 37.5-inch broad jump and posting a 10-feet, 4-inch broad jump. 

One of the best cover linebackers in the draft, Cashman adds immediate value as a middle-of-the-field defender that can match up with athletic tight ends and track running backs out of the backfield. 

An instinctual player, Cashman boasts an astute football IQ and has proven to be a quick mental processor when diagnosing plays. His relentless flow to the ball was not lost on the Jets' coaching staff, who rewarded his tenacity with a sprinkle of first-team reps during training camp. 

At 6-foot-1, 237 pounds, Cashman fits the mold of the modern day NFL linebacker -- which prioritizes speed, athleticism and coverage prowess over traditional two-down run defenders. While his build and skill set doesn't project as a three-down player right away, he should be in the mix for significant playing time, provided his recent injury doesn't linger. 

Though lack of numbers at the position play a big part, expect the team to utilize Cashman's elite coverage acumen early and often. With more and more offenses looking to spread teams out to take advantage of personnel, Cashman can become a valuable weapon for defensive coordinator Gregg Williams sooner than anticipated.


Published
Andrew DiCecco
ANDREW DICECCO

In 2017, I began writing for a small website, Sports Talk Philly. I experienced early success at STP and looked to expand my visibility. I then joined the Eagles Wire of USA TODAY SMG as a contributor in June 2018. I have published many articles for the site, including player interview pieces, game notes and analysis, editorial content and exclusive Q&A's -- including one with NFL Media's Ian Rapoport. It is my objective to bring Jets fans as close to their beloved team as possible, going beyond the surface by providing diverse and creative content all year long. Twitter: @ADiCeccoNFL