Jets rookie report card vs. Redskins | How did Sam Darnold, Nathan Shepherd, Chris Herndon do?

Alex Brandon | AP

By Darryl Slater | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

LANDOVER, Md. — The Jets on Thursday played their second preseason game, at the Redskins. So let's grade the Jets' 2018 NFL Draft picks — including quarterback Sam Darnold and defensive end Nathan Shepherd — based on how they fared in Washington.

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RB/RET TRENTON CANNON

GRADE: C

ANALYSIS: Yes, he didn't play because of an injury. But that doesn't mean his absence doesn't affect his status. It certainly does. Andre Roberts continues to lead the Jets' return man battle, for both spots. Depending on how long Eli McGuire (fractured foot) is out, the Jets could try to stash Cannon on the practice squad and roll with two running backs (Bilal Powell and Isaiah Crowell) for the first couple weeks of the season.

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NEXT STEP FOR CANNON?

He needs to get back out there on the practice field, obviously. Two big preseason games coming up for him, against the Giants and Eagles. He has looked unsteady, to say the least, on punt returns, including a muffed punt in the preseason opener against the Falcons. He's been solid as a running back, though. Can he do enough for the rest of August to make the initial 53-man roster?

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DL FOLEY FATUKASI

GRADE: B-

ANALYSIS: Nothing special for him. He didn't register any stats Thursday night while playing with the backups. Might the Jets try to stash him on the practice squad? We don't think so. He could be a rotational defensive lineman for them.

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Darryl Slater | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

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NEXT STEP FOR FATUKASI?

Continue to show progress as an interior lineman. Remember, two nose tackles are currently hurt — Steve McLendon and Deon Simon. That leaves Mike Pennel to work with the starters, and provides an opportunity for Fatukasi to give the Jets some depth at the position, as long as he can show he can stuff the run.

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CB PARRY NICKERSON

GRADE: C+

ANALYSIS: Just like Cannon, he missed his second straight game. It's a hamstring injury for Nickerson, the Jets' backup slot cornerback. But it would be a surprise if they cut him and attempted the practice squad route.

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NEXT STEP FOR NICKERSON?

He isn't overly familiar with the slot corner spot since he didn't play there in college. So in addition to getting himself healthy — hamstring injuries can be nagging, after all — Nickerson must familiarize himself with his position. He could wind up being a fairly important backup.

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TE CHRIS HERNDON

GRADE: C-

ANALYSIS: Another guy who was absent for the second straight game. The Jets are banged up, especially their rookies. Different grades for Cannon, Nickerson, and Herndon, for their absences Thursday, because the absences have different impacts. Herndon is battling Jordan Leggett for the Jets' starting tight end job. Leggett played Thursday after missing the preseason opener. Herndon has looked good, but needs to get out there.

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Matt Stypulkoski | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

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NEXT STEP FOR HERNDON?

Still plenty of time for him to rally and win the Week 1 starting tight end job. Leggett is still returning from swelling in his knee, so he is working his way back. There's still an opportunity for Herndon, who was doing some encouraging things in practice — particularly with his strong hands — before he got hurt. But if Herndon can't play against the Giants next Friday, how much could that dent his chances of being the Week 1 starter?

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NATHAN SHEPHERD, DE

GRADE: B

ANALYSIS: He got blocked out of one play badly. The Jets' defensive starters didn't play a ton, but Shepherd played just OK in limited action. He had two tackles and a quarterback hit.

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NEXT STEP FOR SHEPHERD?

Just continued growth as he progresses from Division II to the NFL. This was never going to be a fully seamless transition for him. He is still on track to being the Jets' starting defensive end opposite Leonard Williams.

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QB SAM DARNOLD

GRADE: C+

ANALYSIS: Some good (accurate overall, while not throwing deep) and some bad (a fourth-down interception in the red zone, to conclude his evening). Click here for a more detailed rundown of Darnold's second preseason game. He started and played three drives in the first half.

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Darryl Slater | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

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NEXT STEP FOR DARNOLD?

Expect him to continue to get extensive work with the starters in practice, leading up to the Giants game. This will be another big one for Darnold, as he tries to show the Jets' coaches they can trust him as the Week 1 starting quarterback. He has made plenty of progress so far. He remains a legit contender to start in Week 1.

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Darryl Slater may be reached at dslater@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DarrylSlater. Find NJ.com Jets on Facebook.

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