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Jachai Polite has chance to become 2019 NFL Draft’s biggest steal

By Seth Steere

STARKVILLE, MS - SEPTEMBER 29: Jachai Polite #99 of the Florida Gators celebrates a sack during the second half against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MS - SEPTEMBER 29: Jachai Polite #99 of the Florida Gators celebrates a sack during the second half against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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New York Jets edge defender Jachai Polite has a chance to become one of the real steals from the 2019 NFL Draft.

Prior to the combine, Jachai Polite sat amongst the top edge rushers in his class. Things changed at the NFL Combine, however. His poor performance on the field and his questionable answers off of it forced him deep into Day 2.

That said, Polite fell into the best situation possible. He is surrounded by talented New York Jets players on the interior who will give him the opportunity to flourish and get after the quarterback as he did in college. He finished his junior season with 11.0 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss.

Polite will not only have help between the lines on the field but play-caller Gregg Williams will help scheme plays, too. Williams is known for his aggressive play-calling, using blitzes and the linebackers to fill gaps, allowing the line to focus on getting to the quarterback.

Polite has the natural talent to allow him to become one of the better edge defenders in his class. Former NFL general manager, Charley Casserly spoke wonders about Polite on NFL Network earlier in the year.

Casserly said that Polite was the most important draft choice for the Jets.

“I thought the guy was quick. I thought the guy was explosive,” Casserly explained. “I thought he could win on the edge as a pass rusher. A big-play potential guy.”

Casserly was surprised at Polite’s 4.84 40-yard dash, stating he gave Polite a play-speed time of 4.65 while watching his film. Casserly’s observation shouldn’t be taken as law, but it’s quite apparent when watching Polite’s tape that he is faster than his 40-time would suggest.

Casserly isn’t the only one enamored with Polite’s skillset on the field. Mike Stypulkoski — a reporter with NJ.com — spoke wonders about Polite’s on-field abilities.

"“On the field, Polite was a savage playmaker… By all accounts, Polite was a first-round talent who the Jets scooped up in the third round because of all his off-field red flags.”"

Stypulkoski also mentioned that previous Jets GM — Mike Maccagnan — couldn’t pass on him because the tape was “too alluring.” It’s no secret Polite has the talent to be successful at the next level, but can he keep his head on straight and improve on what has been a tough start to his NFL career.

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