Gang Green Nation
Taking a look at a versatile Jets special teams prospect
The New York Jets recently signed former Florida special teams demon Ja’Markis Weston as an undrafted free agent. Today we break Weston down in detail.
The 24-year old Weston is listed at 6’2” and 235 pounds and established himself as a core special teamer with the Gators, while also seeing limited action on offense and defense.
Background
Weston was a three-star wide receiver recruit coming out of college but his career took an unusual path, as he ended up converting to safety, then defensive end and also took some reps at linebacker. He was also able to establish himself as a valuable contributor on special teams.
Weston opted to redshirt his first season in 2019 after playing three games and dropping his only target. In 2020, he contributed on special teams and caught his first pass in the first quarter of the team’s bowl game.
In 2021, it looked like Weston’s role might increase as he caught three passes for 44 yards in the season opener. However, he only caught another two passes all year. He didn’t catch any passes in 2022, at which point he had just three special teams tackles in the past three seasons but also got some work in the return game.
2023 saw him making more of an impact on special teams as he had four tackles in five games. However, he missed the rest of the season due to injuries. He had converted to safety during the offseason but didn’t see any playing time there.
In 2024, Weston’s impact grew as he had nine tackles, including two in his new role as an edge defender. One of these was a strip sack.
Weston had actually considered entering the draft after the 2023 season, but opted to return for the 2024 season. However, the chances of him being selected in either year were always slim.
After Weston went undrafted, the Jets signed him to an undrafted free agent deal with $200K of guaranteed money.
Let’s move on to some more in-depth analysis of what Weston brings to the table as a player, based on extensive research and film study.
Measurables/Athleticism
Weston, who was 6’4” and 190 pounds as a high school recruit, has built himself up with a powerful, athletic frame, adding almost 50 pounds since then.
He can apparently bench 525 pounds, squat 605 and power clean 315. Perhaps even more impressively, he was clocked at 4.44 in the 40-yard dash in 2024, with chip data suggesting he got up to 22.6 miles per hour.
In this context, his pro day numbers were a little underwhelming, as he only ran 4.65 and managed 20 bench press reps. His agility numbers were average for his size and his broad jump was good but his vertical poor.
His coaches raved about his athleticism constantly though, and it jumps out on film.
Usage
As a high school player, Weston played on both sides of the ball. He...
