Despite draft-day fall, Jachai Polite set up for success in 2019

Jachai Polite had one of the worst 2019 NFL draft experiences of all the prospects in this year’s class, but he’s been set up for success as a member of the New York Jets defense.

Former Florida Gators pass-rusher and New York Jets third-round pick Jachai Polite had quite the experience in the run-up to the 2019 NFL draft. He began the process as a potential first-round pick, but his poor performance at the NFL combine — both on the field and in the interviews — as well as his less-than-ideal showing at his pro day forced him way down teams’ draft boards.

He fell so far, in fact, that he quickly went from a guy viewed as a risky first-round option to one of the biggest steals on Day 2.

The Jets need an edge rusher with Polite’s skill set in the worst way, and even though he may be disappointed about not being a first-round pick, the stage has been set for him to make a huge impact in the NFL.

In fact, Polite was pegged as a preseason All-Rookie Team favorite by NFL.com.

"Edge: Jachai Polite, New York Jets (Round 3, No. 68). The Jets needed pass-rush help, like, right now. Polite is not aptly named because he will not endear himself to pro tackles or quarterbacks. This is a match made in heaven."

Polite finished the 2018 season with 17.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks, both team-highs for the Gators. He led all of college football with six forced fumbles, too.

One of the concerns teams had for Polite at the end of the season was his size. He’s a lean, if not skinny player who tried his best to answer those questions by bulking up for the Combine. It was a bad decision. He weighed in at 258 pounds (of bad weight) and ran a slow 4.84 40-yard dash. His 32-inch vertical jump was surprising too, as his film shows a player with much more explosive ability than that.

None of it matters now, however. He’s a New York Jet, and he’ll have a chance to be one of the most productive defensive rookies in the league in 2019.