Entering his fourth season in the NFL, Jamien Sherwood has become one of the Jets’ key linebackers by taking one of those less-traveled routes.
HC Robert Saleh stated, “He has gotten better and better and better every single year.” He has gained muscle, weight, intelligence, speed, strength, and a mindset that, like Jermaine Johnson’s, wants to get better every day. However, this man is an incredible linebacker.”
That wasn’t always the case though, as the Jets selected Sherwood in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft (at pick No. 146 overall). He had been a formidable safety for Auburn for three seasons during his college career. That was thrown out the window on draft day when Sherwood (6-2, 216) was swiftly selected by the Jets as a linebacker.
He started the second week of training camp with a bang on Monday during practice when he successfully caught a deflected pass from Aaron Rodgers.
“It was enjoyable, do you understand what I mean?” he said following the intense workout at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. “Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers is a great quarterback.” That’s why it means so much to me when I get the chance to do something like that. It goes without saying that my teammates and coaches find it special to watch me compete so hard against a player of that caliber. Once more, it feels fantastic.”
Sherwood suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in Week 7 of his rookie campaign, which put a halt to his career advancement and positioning him alongside C.J. Mosley and the developing Quincy Williams. In 2020, he recovered to play in all 17 games, however he only saw 25 defensive snaps (2%) and was a vital member of the special teams unit with 309 snaps (67%). He increased his snap count at linebacker to 194 (17%) last season, recording 46 tackles, while playing 420 (87%) on special teams.
Highlight of Jets Training Camp: Jamien Sherwood’s Interception Following a Deflection
He arrived at OTAs and training camp with the intention of securing a more prominent position on the Jets’ superior defense.
“Just like every man, it’s a grind,” remarked the man. “Consistency is key. And feeding my family comes first for me. I simply need to approach every opportunity and chance I receive with the perspective that I’m taking care of my family. It is not solely my concern. It concerns my affection and respect for the man seated beside me. It’s difficult at times and exhausting, but in the end, it’s about my mother and the man who sits next to me. I’m forced to go out there and give it my all every day because of this.”
Sherwood has stood out so far in camp for covering a lot of ground, making plays against the run, and utilizing his skill as a safety in college to help defend in the passing game.
“He’s still managing to bring everyone in order, plant his feet, and make the play during hectic times throughout camp and OTAs, which is a really great progression for him as a football player. He’s got a great start so far,” Saleh remarked.
Sherwood, Williams, Chazz Surratt, Zaire Barnes, and Sam Eguavoen have all benefited from Mosley’s devious experience as he has gradually been accustomed to his new position at linebacker.
Sherwood remarked, “You guys all know I used to play safety.” “I’ve learned everything just by having the opportunity to watch him from the sidelines over the previous three years. It’s as enjoyable to just observe him, ask him questions or not. Simply the way he speaks, moves, and absorbs information. Although he doesn’t say much in the conference room, it’s evident from the tape that he eventually deserves to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
“I can just give him all the credit; he’s been an excellent role model for the past few years, just like Quincy has been. They’re both excellent models for me.”
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