Leonard Taylor III entered the NFL as one of the most surprising undrafted players in the 2024 class. Once seen as a potential first-round pick, the former five-star recruit instead shockingly went unselected before landing quietly with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent.
Now, entering his second NFL season, Taylor faces a different challenge. After flashing intriguing pass-rush upside in limited action as a rookie, the former Miami standout is simultaneously fighting to carve out a role in a thin Jets defensive tackle rotation and earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
If Taylor is able to secure his place and build upon the promise he showed as a rookie, there's a chance the Jets' entire defensive line picture could change dramatically.