Jets Promote OLB Luvu, Cut FB Thomas

In the wake of Josh Martin’s concussion, keeping him out of the lineup in week one, the New York Jets have promoted linebacker Frankie Luvu from the practice squad to the Jets 53 man roster. To make room for Luvu on the roster the Jets waived fullback Lawrence Thomas. The waiver of Thomas means the Jets will be without a fullback on the roster for Monday night’s game against the Detroit Lions.

Frankie Luvu is a 6’ 3”, 235 pound linebacker out Washington State University. Luvu, who will turn 22 years old in 10 days, went undrafted in the 2018 NFL draft and was subsequently signed by the Jets as an undrafted free agent.

Luvu was a two year starter at Washington State. He had something of a breakout year in his senior season, registering 6.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries, all career highs by a wide margin. Luvu is a high motor guy who went undrafted largely because of his lack of physical traits associated with NFL success. Luvu lacks NFL length, bulk, speed and explosiveness. He is an undersized, below average athlete who clocked a 4.84 second forty yard dash, a 29.5” vertical, and a 9’ 2” broad jump at his pro day. Athletes with this kind of physical profile do not have a track record of success in the NFL. Luvu profiles as a maximum effort back of the roster type linebacker who will need to excel on special teams to carve out a role. For the Jets, it is very unlikely Luvu provides much hope of an answer for their long standing quest for an effective edge pass rusher.