Lorenzo

Mauldin IV

The only semi-proven outside linebacker on the roster, the Jets have little choice but to give Mauldin a significant role. On the bright side, he reportedly looked good throughout the offseason program. New York will hope third-round pick Jordan Jenkins can step up to fill the starting role opposite Mauldin.

Mauldin (6'4/259) allegedly attacked 5-foot-7, 145-pound Jean Lopez when Lopez spilled bubbly on him at the Highline Ballroom. Photos published by the New York Post show a brutally beaten Lopez, who sustained “multiple maxillofacial fractures” and needed “numerous plates” inserted into the left side of his face and lips, according to Lopez’s lawyer. Lopez is suing Mauldin for assault and battery, although criminal charges have not been filed.

The charges stem from Mauldin’s April nightclub altercation. Mauldin is accused of beating a man for spilling champagne on him. His court appearance is scheduled for August 16.

Mauldin did not help his case by being charged with assault in June, and he has not done much on the field to stake his claim. In fact, Hughes seems to think Mauldin will be cut unless GM Mike Maccagnan decides he cannot give up this early on a third-round pick. Maccagnan’s second-round pick that year, WR Devin Smith, has played in 14 games due to injury and will sit out again this season while 2016 second-rounder Christian Hackenberg does not look like he will ever develop into an NFL starter.

Mauldin has missed all but a few days this August with a “significant back injury.” On the roster bubble anyway, stashing him on injured reserve could make sense for everyone. The Jets added Kony Ealy off the waiver wire on Sunday.

Mauldin missed all but a few days of camp with what has been described as a “significant back injury.” He is eligible to return Week 9, but it is not a given he will be back this season. LB Bruce Carter was re-signed in a corresponding move.

The Jets had originally hoped Mauldin would return later this year, but now that looks like a long shot. He’ll seek a second opinion on his herniated disk before he makes a decision on surgery.

An athletically-challenged, high-effort player, Mauldin will struggle to earn a starting role even in the Jets’ underwhelming outside linebacker corps. Even without a starting job, Mauldin should contribute as a sub-package player and rotational rusher this season. Long term, we’re skeptical of his ceiling.

Mauldin had some first-round hype before ultimately falling to the third. Mauldin stuffed the stat sheet at Louisville, but struggled at the Combine, posting a 4.85 40-yard dash, 32-inch vertical and 9-foot-4 broad jump. Mauldin may never develop into an NFL edge rusher, but finishes plays and defends the run. There’s a role for him in New York.

Mauldin was kept overnight for observation. He is not dealing with a neck injury, and reportedly had feelings in his extremities last night. There is no timetable for his return.