New York Jets defensive lineman Micheal Clemons has been rumored as a potential cut candidate heading into the 2024 season, but the 2022 fourth-round draft pick appears squarely in the team's plans nine practices into training camp.
With edge rusher Haason Reddick absent from camp due to a contract dispute, Clemons earned a starting defensive end spot on the Jets' first unofficial two-deep listing of the summer. Clemons, who will turn 27 years old on August 21, was notably slotted ahead of 2023 first-round draft pick Will McDonald.
"The reality is he's not here, but there are, like I said, a bunch of guys who are, who are working their tails off," said fourth-year head coach Robert Saleh after Monday's practice in Florham Park.
Clemons saw his defensive snap count increase slightly in 2023, but garnered headlines for the wrong reasons. The somewhat temperamental lineman was ejected from a game as a result of inadvertently making physical contact with an official. He was also filmed attempting to confront Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins after a road game in the Highmark Stadium tunnel. In Week 17, video footage showed Clemons apparently yelling obscenities at spectators behind the Jets' bench.
Over 32 career appearances, Clemons has managed only 3.0 sacks and seven quarterback hits. Although he has yet to reach his on-field potential amidst some disappointing moments, the versatile defensive lineman was likely never in serious danger of losing his roster spot this summer and his special teams ability was almost definitely a factor.
Not only does Clemons possess the physical ability to line up at both defensive end and at an interior position, the 6-foot-5 specimen has totaled 398 special teams snaps over his first two seasons since being the No. 117 overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he memorably blocked a punt for a touchdown in New York's regular season road win over Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.
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