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Jets Meet With Standout JMU Linebacker Ahead of NFL Draft
Trent Hendrick is a potential late-round selection who impressed at his Pro Day.
Mar. 27, 2026 at 1:39pm
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The New York Jets met with James Madison linebacker Trent Hendrick at his Pro Day on Thursday, according to a source. Hendrick, a potential late-round selection, helped lead the Dukes to their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance in 2025. Despite concerns about his size, Hendrick proved his athleticism by running a 4.59-second 40-yard dash, completing a 7-second 3-cone drill, and jumping to a 10-foot broad jump. Along with the Jets, Hendrick also spoke with five other teams: the Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Green Bay Packers.
Why it matters
The Jets are looking to add more talent at the linebacker position ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, and Hendrick could be an intriguing late-round prospect or priority free agent signing for the team. His special teams experience and strong 2025 season at James Madison have made him an interesting sleeper pick in this year's draft.
The details
Hendrick stood out at James Madison's Pro Day by posting impressive athletic testing numbers. Despite concerns about his size (6 feet, 231 pounds), he proved his athleticism remains among the best in this draft class. In 2025, his fourth season with the Dukes, Hendrick recorded 106 total tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and three pass deflections. He had an outstanding game in James Madison's only College Football Playoff appearance against Oregon, finishing with 10 total tackles, a forced fumble, and a pass deflection.
- Hendrick met with the Jets at his Pro Day on Thursday, March 27, 2026.
- Hendrick helped lead James Madison to their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance in 2025.
The players
Trent Hendrick
A linebacker from James Madison University who is a potential late-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Demario Davis
A veteran linebacker who the New York Jets signed in free agency this offseason to be the anchor of their defense.
Arvell Reese
An Ohio State linebacker who is expected to be strongly considered by the Jets with their No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
What’s next
The Jets will continue to evaluate Hendrick and other linebacker prospects ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, where they could potentially select him in a later round or sign him as a priority free agent.
The takeaway
The Jets are being proactive in their search for linebacker talent, meeting with a sleeper prospect like Trent Hendrick who could provide depth and special teams contributions if signed. Hendrick's strong 2025 season and impressive Pro Day workout have made him an intriguing late-round option for teams like the Jets looking to add young, athletic linebackers to their roster.
