Gang Green Nation
Taking a look at a Jets defensive line prospect
The Jets recently signed former Appalachian State defensive end Michael Fletcher as an undrafted free agent. Today we break Fletcher down in detail.
The 24-year old Fletcher is listed at 6’6” and 275 pounds. He racked up 8.5 sacks over the past two seasons after having transferred from Michigan State.
Background
Fletcher was a four-star high school recruit and the top defensive end recruit in the state of Michigan, so he headed to Michigan State with some legitimate hype.
As a true freshman, he only saw brief action in one game before taking a redshirt, but he showed real promise in 2020 as he was credited with three sacks in just seven games.
As he looked to build on that season, 2021 was a disappointing year for Fletcher, as he had just six tackles in six games.
2022 saw him finally get a chance as he started three games but he was banged up all year and ended up with just 13 tackles and a tackle for loss in eight games. At the end of the season, he opted to transfer to Appalachian State.
Although he was coming off the bench, Fletcher got regular rotational work in 2023 and had career highs in tackles (21) and sacks (4.5). In 2024, he started eight of 10 games and had similar production with 19 tackles and four sacks.
Fletcher was not expected to be drafted after having been an NFL scouting combine snub and not invited to any of the main all-star games.
After Fletcher went undrafted, the Jets invited him to attend their rookie minicamp on a tryout basis, after which they signed him to an undrafted free agency deal with no guaranteed money.
Let’s move on to some more in-depth analysis of what Fletcher brings to the table as a player, based on extensive research and film study.
Measurables/Athleticism
Fletcher was 240 pounds coming out of high school, but has bulked up nicely. He also has an impressive 84-inch wingspan.
At his pro day, he weighed in at 288 and ran 4.93 in the 40-yard dash. His explosiveness and strength numbers were solid, but his agility numbers were poor.
Usage
Fletcher lined up exclusively outside with Michigan State, but Appalachian State primarily lined him up across from a tackle as a 5-technique. He also occasionally lined up inside.
Motor
Interestingly, Fletcher only played more than 40 snaps once in two seasons with the Mountaineers. He did play 52 in one game with Michigan State, but doesn’t have much experience of handling a starter’s workload. He does give effort in the trenches and in pursuit though.
Pass rush
Fletcher posted pretty good pass rush numbers at Appalachian State, but his numbers at Michigan State were underwhelming. That’s concerning both in terms of him only succeeding against weaker level competition and only seeing an increase in his age 23 and 24 seasons.
It is worth noting, however, that he had three sacks as...
