WATCH: Five projected Eagles castoffs who'll be on Jets GM Joe Douglas' radar
Three seasons ago, Jets GM Joe Douglas was named the Philadelphia Eagles' Vice President of Player Personnel. Douglas has played a pivotal role in spearheading the Eagles' recent resurgence, which culminated in a Super Bowl title in 2017. With cutdown day looming, I've identified five candidates that Douglas could opt to make a move for to solidify the backend of the Jets' roster.
1. RB Wendell Smallwood
While Douglas didn't have a hand in selecting Smallwood in 2016 NFL Draft, the two began their Eagles tenure a mere weeks apart. The former West Virginia star has endured a turbulent three seasons, and a logjam of talent puts the running back on the outside looking in with one game of preseason play left to go.
The 5-foot-10, 208-pound runner has proven to be a serviceable backup running back during his Eagles career, demonstrating the ability to grind out tough yards and catch the occasional pass when his number is called.
Smallwood stepped up immensely down the stretch last season, when a rash of injuries decimated the Eagles' formidable running back stable. His pass protection has improved by leaps and bounds, and he also offers the ability to return kicks.
The Jets could look to part ways with veteran Bilal Powell, as he is coming off a debilitating neck injury and finds himself on the wrong side of 30. Smallwood would be a younger, cheaper option, that has been an opportunistic role player in his three seasons in Philadelphia.
2. WR Mack Hollins
Hollins appears on this list because he was supposed to be one of the key selections from Douglas' first draft as Eagles' Vice President of Player Personnel. A downfield threat and special teams dynamo at North Carolina, Hollins was selected with the 118th pick in the fourth-round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
Hollins managed to carve out a minor role on offense as a rookie, hauling in 16 passes for 226 yards and one touchdown during their Super Bowl run. Injuries slowed his development last summer, and it was ultimately a groin injury that ended his sophomore campaign prematurely.
Finally returning to the practice field during the early stages on training camp, Hollins has endured an inconsistent summer. While he's demonstrated his value as a special teams maven, he's failed to standout as a receiver -- and has talented competition breathing down his neck.
The Jets will likely look to bolster the backend of their receiving corps via waivers or trade. Hollins, 26, could feasibly push wide receivers Josh Bellamy or Charone Peake off the roster. A younger option with greater upside, Hollins can be every bit as impactful on special teams as Bellamy.
3. G/T Matt Pryor
Selected in the sixth-round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Pryor spent his entire rookie season as a weekly inactive. While the 6-foot-7, 338-pound mammoth has spent most of his time at guard, he also offers tackle versatility.
The 24-year-old has struggled during the preseason, and given the Eagles' surplus of talent throughout the roster, it will be hard to justify keeping their tenth-best offensive lineman.
Though early in his Jets reign, Douglas has shown a propensity to fortify the depth along the offensive line. After spending an entire year around Pryor, he may want to continue to mold the versatile lineman. Don't be surprised if he actively looks to form a reunion if the opportunity presents itself.
4. LB T.J. Edwards
Considered to be the crown jewel of this year's crop of undrafted free agents, Edwards comes with production and pedigree. A first-team All-American in 2017, Edwards finished his Wisconsin career with 366 tackles, 37.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, ten interceptions and a forced fumble. Several draft pundits had a late-round grade on the 6-foot-1, 233-pound downhill thumper.
Edwards got off to a quiet start to the preseason, but had a coming-out-party on Thursday night against the Baltimore Ravens, notching seven tackles. He was active, flowing sideline to sideline and shooting through gaps with reckless abandon.
While he may not be ready to contribute on an NFL defense just yet, he will be an impactful special teams performer right away, and has a chance to see spot duty on defense in the right situation.
Given the meager state of the Jets' linebacking corps, it would make sense for the team to place a claim to acquire Edwards -- provided Philadelphia can't find room for him. Edwards would give the team a developmental player that won't be counted on to play right away -- but one that could serve as a crucial piece to their future success.
5. S Deiondre' Hall
Hall and Douglas overlapped during their stints in Chicago. The Bears' Director of College Scouting in 2015, Douglas was part of the team that selected Hall in the fifth-round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
A trade on cutdown day brought Hall to Philadelphia last September, reuniting him with Douglas. His late addition put him behind the curve, as he spent the majority of the season adjusting to a new scheme.
Though he only mustered six defensive snaps all season, Hall was a force on special teams, accounting for 40 percent of the total. He was active for 13 regular-season game and both postseason contests.
While Hall has put together a stellar training camp, perhaps his biggest appeal is his versatility. Coming out of Northern Iowa, Hall was actually a highly-touted cornerback. As a rookie, he played eight games at the position.
One other advantage that the 25-year-old has over most defensive backs in the league, are his freakishly long arms. Measuring 34 3/8 inches in length, Hall's arms are 1 3/8 inches longer than 2019 second overall pick Nick Bosa.
Acquiring safety Derrick Kindred earlier this week, Hall would fall under a similar category: experienced player with versatility and upside. He likely won't make the cut in Philadelphia, due to their deep safety group, but another reunion with Joe Douglas and the defensive back-needy Jets could be in the cards.
