Jets Claim Edge Rusher Corey Lemonier Off Waivers

The New York Jets have claimed edge rusher Corey Lemonier off of waivers. Lemonier was waived by the Detroit Lions one week after they claimed him off waivers when the Cleveland Browns waived Lemonier. Lemonier was in 2016 training camp with the San Francisco 49ers before being cut.  He spent the first 14 games of the season with the Cleveland Browns.

Corey Lemonier is a 25 year old, 6' 3", 255 pound edge rusher out of Auburn University.  Lemonier was selected by the San Francisco 49ers with the 88th selection in the third round of the 2013 NFL draft.  He spent three years with the 49ers, appearing in 42 games, but never earned a starting position.  The 49ers cut Lemonier in training camp this year and he was claimed by the Cleveland Browns, where he spent the first 14 games of the season before being waived.  Lemonier was claimed by the Detroit Lions, then was waived after one game and claimed by the Jets.

Lemonier was a top 10 edge rusher recruit out of high school and a rare sophomore first team All SEC selection when he had 9.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss in 2011.  His production fell off his junior year when he had only 5.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss.  Lemonier entered the draft after his disappointing junior season.  Lemonier's best attribute may be his speed. At the 2013 NFL Combine Lemonier registered a 4.6 40 yard dash time, which placed him third in the category, behind only Trevardo Williams at 4.57 and Barkevious Mingo at 4.58.  NFL.com rated Lemonier an eventual NFL starter as a prospect and a projected 2nd or 3rd round selection.

In four years in the NFL Lemonier has accumulated 46 tackles, 4 passes defended, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 safety and a partridge in a pear tree.  He has played in 50 games, in three of which he started.

Lemonier replaces Bryce Petty on the Jets roster after Petty was placed on injured reserve. Lemonier will be an unrestricted free agent after the 2016 season.