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New York Jets Saturday Spotlight: Deontay Burnett

ByAlan Schechter|
Deontay Burnett #18 of the New York Jets (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Deontay Burnett #18 of the New York Jets (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Time for the weekly spotlight of a New York Jets player that will play a role in the upcoming game. This week we look at Deontay Burnett.

Here it begins,New York Jetsfans. The second half of the season is upon us. Sitting at 3-5 the Jets head to Miami to take on what turns out to beBrock Osweilerand the Dolphins.

Let’s get to the Saturday spotlight. Each week we take a look at a player or coach that will play an important role in the upcoming game. We look at their background and how they will fit into the Jets next contest.

This week we talk about a guy that nobody thought we would be talking about. However he is a player thatSam Darnoldis intimately familiar with.

That player isDeontay Burnett.

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Burnett, like Darnold, is a mere 21 years old. He departed USC after his junior season in 2017.

2017 was his best season as a member of the Trojans, when Burnett posted 86 receptions, 1,114 yards and nine touchdowns.

His coming out party came at the Rose Bowl when Burnett caught 13 passes for 164 yards and three touchdowns.

Five games saw Burnett go over the century mark in receiving yards.

The year before he caught 56 passes for 622 yards and seven touchdowns.

Clearly, Burnett has ability.

However, he was never drafted and first signed by the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent. After being released he signed with the Jets, started on the practice squad and has now moved up.

It’s a good thing he did.

With the injuries toRobby AndersonandQuincy Enunwa, the Jets have thrust Burnett into the limelight, and he responded. Last week, he led the way with four receptions for 61 yards.

Let’s not forget the USC connection. Those 86 passes Burnett caught in 2017? Sam Darnold through those passes.

It’s very simple as to why we profiled Burnett this week. The Jets need him to perform again for a win to even be a possibility.

Enunwa andAndersonare still banged up. They aren’t practicing. The Jets WR depth chart doesn’t exactly look good beyond these two. BesidesJermaine Kearsethere really are not solid, established targets for Darnold to throw to.

Burnett may have the best connection of anyone left on the aforementioned depth chart. He stepped up last week against the Bears. The Jets are going to need him to do that again.

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