Jalen

Saunders

At only 165 pounds, it is unlikely Saunders ever develops into an offensive contributor. He was stellar on punt returns in college, however, and could become a special teams weapon for the Jets. Saunders averaged 15.4 yards per punt return and scored two return touchdowns for Oklahoma last season.

We aren’t optimistic about 165-pound Saunders’ chances of becoming a major offensive contributor, but he certainly could add a spark to New York’s special teams. Saunders scored three career punt return touchdowns at Oklahoma.

The first of three wideouts drafted by the Jets on Day 3, Saunders averaged 15.2 yards per reception and had 26 touchdowns as a three-year starter at Oklahoma. Saunders should open 2014 behind Jeremy Kerley at slot receiver, with the majority of his playing time coming on punt returns.

Saunders (5-foot-8 3/4, 165) was a three-year starter under Bob Stoops, collecting 203 catches for 3,085 yards (15.2 YPR) and 26 touchdowns. He added three TDs on punt returns, which is where Saunders will likely make his living in the NFL. He has 4.44 speed and a 10-foot-2 broad jump. Saunders is too small to excel as a perimeter receiver, and built too slightly to handle a heavy workload in the slot -- where Jeremy Kerley currently resides.

With RB/KR Marcus Murphy set to make the Saints, Saunders’ spot on the team was in serious question. Patriots undrafted rookie WR Chris Harper had been getting work as a returner this preseason, so this move could be bad news for his roster chances.

Saunders was acquired from the Saints just four days ago, but apparently didn’t make enough of an impression on coach Bill Belichick. He’ll likely end up on the practice squad.

Saunders just came off a four-game ban that he received in November. The 2014 fourth-round pick of the Jets was a reach at the time and is probably going to fall out of the league next year. He’s purely a return man.

He’s played in nine games since being the Jets’ fourth-round pick last year.

Saunders will take the spot of Brandin Cooks, who was placed on I.R. this week. He won’t factor in the Saints offense, but could be a candidate for return duties.

He’ll also play extensively in New York’s preseason finale. “He’s ready to roll,” coach Rex Ryan said. “We expect to see a great deal of him in this game.” Saunders will be a reserve wideout and punt returner as a rookie.