Jets 2018 Roster Countdown: Number 51 Brandon Copeland

Brandon Copeland is next in our Jets roster countdown.

Name: Brandon Copeland

Number: 51

Year with Jets: 1st

Projected Role: Linebacker depth and special teamer

His 2017: Copeland missed the entire season after tearing a pec in the preseason opener. He was a member of the Lions from 2015 through last year. He signed with the Jets as a free agent.

2018 will be a success if: Copeland can help the Jets on special teams. He has experience lining up as both an edge rusher and an off ball linebacker. He has limited production in either spot. He was, however, a fixture on Detroit’s special teams in 2016, the last season where he saw action. That year he participated in over 70% of Detroit’s special teams snaps.

Odds of making the roster: His experience on special teams gives him a shot at making the roster. With that said, it’s tough to carry a 27 year old solely for special teams unless he is one of the top special teamers in the league. It isn’t that hard to find a younger player who can play specials effectively and also has developmental upside. I’ll call Copeland 50/50.