The Jets have plenty of young D-linemen stealing headlines in training camp, there’s a journeyman getting some attention too. According to Dan Leberfeld of Jets Confidential, Jack Heflin has impressed early on. Suiting up for his fifth team in six years, Heflin has been around, but hasn’t played much at all.
The 6′ 3” Iowa product has appeared in seven career games, recording three tackles. According to Leberfeld, he has looked like a seasoned vet at 1 Jets Drive. He had a comparison Jets fans will recognize.
“The Iowa product via Northern Illinois is a smart, tough player with good technique. He’s kind of like a poor man’s Mike Devito.”
This doesn’t claim Heflin will seize a roster spot. It suggests the Jets found a cheap veteran. They could stash him on the practice squad, confident he can hold his own if called up.
Having loaded up on talent up front at defensive tackle this off-season via trade (T’Vondre Sweat), free agency (David Onyemata) and the draft (Darrell Jackson), there’s not much room on the roster. But after finding Jowon Briggs last season, GM Darren Mougey has a track record of finding low-cost interior linemen. Add veteran Harrison Phillips to that group and Mougey deserves some serious kudos for that interior.
Leberfeld notes the Jets’ pre-season opener against the Buccaneers. Monitor Heflin, number 96, since his playing time should be substantial. His goal is to prove he belongs on the roster.
