Does Jets UDFA Irvin Charles have the skill to break into a deep WR unit?

WR Irvin Charles looks to make his way into a talented New York Jets receiver room

The New York Jets signed two wide receivers as undrafted free agents shortly after the conclusion of the 2022 NFL draft.

Irvin Charles from Indiana University of Pennsylvania was one of the two, alongside Kent State’s Keshunn Abram.

Even after selecting Garrett Wilson in the first round, the Jets had a need for wide receiver depth that could have been addressed later on in the draft, but without a selection after the fourth round, they did not draft a second receiver. With Charles and Abram, they were able to add some depth to the unit post-draft.

Here are some of the most important things for Jets fans to know about Charles.

College production

Charles spent his first three years of college at Penn State (2015-17). In 2015, Charles had a redshirt season. He was dismissed by Penn State late in the 2017 season for violating team rules.

Charles then sat out the 2018 season. In 2019, he transferred to Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He was ineligible in 2019 for academic reasons. In 2020, there was no season for IUP as a result of COVID-19. The 2021 year was his lone season playing at IUP. In total, Charles played 34 games of college football.

At Penn State, Charles caught three passes for 110 yards and one touchdown. The 2021 season was his breakout year, as he put together solid production with 39 catches, 792 yards (20.3 per catch), and 12 touchdowns in nine games.

His 2021 production put him at an average of 4.3 receptions, 88.0 yards, and over a touchdown (1.3) per game.

Physical measurables and athletic testing

Charles brings much-needed size to the wide receiver group for the Jets. He is 6-foot-4 and 228 pounds with 33″ arms and 9 1/2″ hands. Charles also recorded an impressive total of 19 bench reps.

He had a good Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 8.42. His grade was highlighted by a great 127″ broad jump. However, his vertical jump of 32.5″ was relatively poor.

In terms of speed, Charles recorded fine 10 and 20-yard split times of 1.56 and 2.63, respectively. His 4.66 40-yard dash time was slow but not too surprising considering his size. When it came to agility, he tested average in the 3-cone drill with a time of 6.97 and was below average with a time of 4.31 in the 20-yard shuttle.

Skill set

The main attributes Charles brings are size and red zone ability, which the Jets can use. He is a possession, contested-catch receiver in jump-ball situations.

Charles offers big-play threat ability as shown by his 20.3 yards per catch last season. He can win downfield and after the catch with his imposing size.

@IUPCrimsonHawk WR Irvin Charles with the picture perfect stiff arm at @CGSAllStar pic.twitter.com/I6tT8n12r6

— Kyle (@Kalelston) January 20, 2022

#cgsallstar @BridgesFootball #NFLdraft #CFL #CFLDraft #CGS2022 #USFL #XFL
Tuesday practice. 1-on-1s.
2 QB Rogan Wells @Rom3n_kid Western Carolina @CatamountsFB / Valdosta State @valdostastatefb hits 9 Irvin Charles @SwirvingtonTon IUP with 39 CB Jaylon Monroe Tulane covering. pic.twitter.com/TYVmGiNwtL

— joelax (Joe Caulfield) (@joelax) January 18, 2022

Final thoughts

Charles is a much older rookie who will play his first NFL season at 25 years old.

During his time at Penn State, Charles had most of his opportunities come on special teams and he made some contributions. If he can prove himself in a special teams role before final cutdown late this summer, it certainly improves his chances of making the roster.

🏈🚨🔵⚪️Scoop & Score!
Watch PSU/Paul VI Irvin Charles force this fumble on the IU punt return! #PSU up 21-0 in 1Q@SwirvingtonTon pic.twitter.com/GfWYrQZuQm

— SJ SportsTalk (@sojerseysports) September 30, 2017

There could potentially be an opening or two for the Jets wide receiver group. The depth is a bit of a concern right now. The four locks at the top of the position are Elijah Moore, Garrett Wilson, Corey Davis, and Braxton Berrios. Denzel Mims should be the favorite for the fifth spot. If Charles shines, he could possibly compete for the sixth spot with Jeff Smith and others.

Charles’ size is going to give him a chance if he can show some promise throughout training camp and the preseason.