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New York Jets: 3 underhyped rookies for 2020 season

By Sayre Bedinger

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 29: Defensive lineman Jabari Zuniga of Florida runs a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 29: Defensive lineman Jabari Zuniga of Florida runs a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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New York Jets, Jabari Zuniga, 2020 NFL Draft
ORLANDO, FL – AUGUST 24: Jabari Zuniga #92 of the Florida Gators in action against the Miami Hurricanes in the Camping World Kickoff at Camping World Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Orlando, Florida.(Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

3. Jabari Zuniga, EDGE (3rd round)

After taking Cal safety Ashtyn Davis earlier in the third round, the Jets went after someone for the defensive front in Florida defensive end Jabari Zuniga.

Zuniga went back to Florida for a final season in 2019 to boost his NFL standing, but that didn’t happen as he suffered a high-ankle sprain and was limited to just five games.

Still, his presence was felt in those five games with 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks.

The Jets’ defensive front lacks in the pass rush department with only two players finishing the entire 2019 season with more than three sacks, one being safety Jamal Adams (6.5).

Zuniga is not a typical edge bender from the outside by any means, but he has a really nice burst off the snap, violent hand strength, and just a ton of athleticism and explosiveness.

Zuniga has rare speed and athletic ability for his position group and especially his size, and perhaps that athleticism can translate to some quick wins for the Jets in the pass rush department, especially if last year’s first-round pick — Quinnen Williams — can also make strides in year two.

Next. 2021 NFL mock draft update. dark

Overall, this New York Jets 2020 NFL Draft class may be more than meets the eye.

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