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Jets 2017 Roster Breakdown: Can Frankie Hammond Solve the Punt Returner Dilemma?

NFL: New York Jets-Minicamp Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Our Jets roster countdown now turns its attention to Frankie Hammond.

Name: Frankie Hammond

Number: 14

Year with Jets: 1st

Projected Role: Competing for punt return job

His 2016: After two years on the Chiefs roster, Hammond failed to make the Kansas City roster out of training camp. He was relegated to the practice squad for the season before signing a reserve/future deal with the Jets in the offseason.

2017 will be a success if: Hammond can bring some degree of quality and stability to the Jets punt return game. His career average of 10.9 yards per return is good, but it comes in a small sample size of 29 returns. This is an area where the Jets could use some life. If the offense is going to struggle, the return game can make a difference and provide a shorter field. Hammond is nominally a wide receiver. In theory he could get some playing time, but he only has 4 career receptions. He likely will have to outperform the competition as a return man and provide enough excess value that the Jets will not mind using a roster spot on a return specialist.

Odds of making the roster: Unlikely (25-50%)