Continuing today’s series of posts about some of the more talked about undrafted free agents that were signed after the draft and attended last weekend’s rookie camp.
Keith Fitzhugh, S, Mississippi State
Keith Fitzhugh appears to be another attempt to find another Abram Elam and perhaps he will develop into a player of Elam’s abilities within the next few years. There are several similarities with Emanuel Cook, which I will get to in a bit, but the major difference between them is that while Cook’s disappointing workout numbers hurt his draft position, Fitzhugh (who was regarded by some as the best player not invited to the combine, but then had a great Pro Day, including a 4.5 forty time) actually had some experts talking about him having elevated his status to that of a mid-round pick on some teams’ boards, although this wasn’t enough to get him drafted.
So, what are the similarities? First, they both played in the SEC. Secondly, they are both hard-hitting run stoppers. Thirdly, both were overshadowed by a more highly-touted teammate in the defensive backfield (for Cook, it was Captain Munnerlyn and for Fitzhugh it was Derek Pegues). Finally, there were off-field concerns for Fitzhugh too.
Fitzhugh, along with Pegues was one of six Bulldogs arrested in connection with the assault of a police officer and eventually accepted a fine and six month suspended sentence. (UPDATE: Since posting this article, we have been informed that he has had this expunged from his record.) However, since then, he has kept his nose clean. This link even describes him as “the type of guy you want your son to be like and your daughter to marry, although it is an MSU fan site! SC fan sites were far from complimentary to Cook though.
Fitzhugh is also considered to be a somewhat one-dimensional safety, but he does figure to have an edge over Cook in pass coverage, having spent a year as a cornerback, although he lacks the hip fluidity and agility for the role at the NFL level. He does have good closing speed though and is about 10 pounds bigger than Cook, with a build and recklessness that screams “special teams demon”. That same link from above characterizes him as “relentless, terrorizing and just flat-out mean.”
This all sounds impressive, but it should be noted that he didn’t match Cook’s productivity or accolades in college, although he did record twice as many interceptions (6-3). In the short term, with Leonhard the starter-elect and Smith and Lowery potential reserves, both Fitzhugh and Cook will need to excel on specials and with a faster forty time, better size and a reputation for being good in kick coverage, Fitzhugh may have the edge in that area.
Finally, here are some scouting notes I made on Fitzhugh from some 2007 games:
v LSU: Athletic, physical pass breakup down field … Good contain and stop on reverse … Backdropped QB on scramble … Had just three tackles as LSU won 45-0
v UCF (Liberty Bowl): Diving interception to set up game winning drive … Also recorded 8 tackles
These reviews of these lesser known undrafted FAs are certainly welcomed and informative. Hopefully we will be able to read more about the remaining large group. Obviously there is plenty of room on the roster for productive backups. It is clearly more interesting than repetitive speculative stories about Favre.
Keith Fitzhugh is the type of player that Bent mention in an ealrier post…..eveyone assumes Cook (as do I)will make the team but then guy like this comes in and can hit and cover just as good if not better than Cook.
Lets cross our fingers some of these can contribute
Once again nice job here Bent
Yes,very informative I would like to learn more about some of the receivers we are taking a look at.But hey its a rainy day and I will take what I can get.
Tish says it all, thanks
UDFA’s are more important to the jets than other teams because we have no mid round picks. Guys like DeVito, Turner, Trusnick, Wallace Wright, Murrell are like gold and perform expanding roles for this Jet team. Then there is Elam and Ratliff which we have used as bargaining chips…We had 3 draft picks , lets hope for 3 UDFA’s
i’d rather go with fitz and cook over e.smith…send e.smith to mangini…jmt’s
I agree 100%, dakar. Anyone that has seen Cook and Fitzhugh play in college knows that they’re very active and “swagger-licious.” Smith is a big S with poor coverage skills and tackling ability. I will be shocked if he stays and Ryan cuts one the two diamonds in the rough (yeah, I said it).
I’ve seen Fitzhugh in action and to be honest with you he has the better skill set. Don’t get me wrong Cook is a good player and can play ball. But when it comes down to the value that you will get, Fitzhugh is more of the type of player you want to see make this team. I’d keep them both and let them battle it out! The diamond in the rough, yes that the both are. Just one will be more polished than the other. Great value!!! Go Jets!