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Jets host players with eye toward NFL Draft – Metro US

Jets host players with eye toward NFL Draft

Jeremy Deering Jeremy Deering is an intriguing local product.
Credit: Getty Images

The Jets hosted a number of NFL Draft hopefuls for workouts on Thursday, with an eye toward some under-the-radar players.

The hope is to find this year’s version of Damon Harrison or Jamaal Westerman, both of whom were undrafted rookie free agents who went on to find prominent roles with the team under head coach Rex Ryan.

Metro New York has learned Rutgers standouts Jamal and Jamil Merrill as well as cornerback Lew Toler and safety Jeremy Deering were all brought in to be measured and work out before scouts and management. In addition, Boston College linebacker Steele Divitto, Notre Dame linebacker Carlo Calabrese, Marist defensive end Terrance Fede, Monmouth tight end Mike McLaferty, Monmouth cornerback Tevrin Brandon, Monmouth center Mike Huncheck, Maine cornerback Kendall James, Stony Brook cornerback Reuben Johnson, UMass tight end Anthony Dima and Penn State safety Stephen Obeng-Agyapong all got looks from the team.

Deering could be an interesting prospect. Blessed with extreme athleticism, he bounced between offense and defense for much of his career with the Scarlet Knights. But he could be a candidate for the practice squad as a means to develop at safety, where he played his final season at Rutgers. He’s also versatile enough to play as a Wildcat quarterback.

In addition, Fede hopes to become the first player ever from Marist to make the NFL. A strong defensive end, he has good speed off the edge and could be a nice fit in the Jets’ 3-4 defense.

After a solid college career, Calabrese shed weight this offseason and had an impressive workout in March at Notre Dame’s Pro Day. The Verona, N.J. native could be a good value signing for the Jets as their linebackers continue to age.

Follow Jets beat writer Kristian Dyer on Twitter @KristianRDyer.