Nov 24, 2012; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Zach Rogers (83) catches a pass for a touchdown against Kentucky Wildcats safety Mikie Benton (31) during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
If you’re an undrafted rookie wide receiver in the NFL first impressions can mean more than anything else.
Former Tennessee Volunteer receiver Zach Rogers, an undrafted free agent, made his New York Jets debut today, at the team’s first day of rookie mini camps. Rogers made his debut in a jersey number that will no doubt be familiar to Jets fans.
Tim Tebow looks like he's lost a lot of weight. Never mind. No. 15 is former Tennessee WR Zach Rogers. Take a look pic.twitter.com/Hqb057hTGI
— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaSports) May 10, 2013
Tim Tebow was of course recently released by the Jets.
Zach Rogers drew praise from Jets coach Rex Ryan after his first day as a Jet.
Rex also compliments WR Zach Rogers as both a receiver and on special teams. #nyj
— Seth Walder (@SethWalder) May 10, 2013
Rex Ryan specifically praised Rogers’ abilities as a slot receiver.
That’s great news for Rogers. Special teams and slot receiving duties will likely be his key to making the Jets’ 53 man roster this fall.
Even though it’s only May and there’s a long ways to go until September, it’s always a great thing when you can receive praise from the head coach on day one.
I definitely think Rogers will be on the active roster this fall and will be a key contributor on special teams.