There are many ways for a team to get better. It can sign free agents, make trades, find discarded gems on the waiver wire and, of course, draft players. There's another way, albeit a bit old-fashioned:

A team can develop its own talent.

Remember that concept? It's a good starting point for a story about Lorenzo Mauldin, a second-year linebacker for the New York Jets.

After spending his rookie season learning the pro game as a pass-rushing specialist/linebacker apprentice, Mauldin will get a silver-platter opportunity to become an every-down player. Considering the paucity of outside linebackers on the roster, the former third-round pick doesn't have the luxury of easing into an expanded role.

The Jets need him ... NOW. You could make an argument that Mauldin will be just as important in 2016 as any player they draft in three weeks.

"We expect him to make a big jump as far as being a full-time player at outside linebacker," coach Todd Bowles said at the recent owners' meetings in Florida. "I expect him to be a major player this year."

The understated Bowles usually stays away from bold statements, but he evidently believes Mauldin has the goods. He doesn't have elite talent -- he wouldn't have lasted until the 82nd pick if he did -- but he has enough, according to the Jets. He's also hungry and hard working, attributes that allowed him to overcome a nightmarish childhood in Atlanta. We caught a glimpse of his determination and toughness last September, when he suffered a frightening concussion in the opener and returned in Week 3.

It's only a small sample size, but Mauldin demonstrated pass-rushing ability as a rookie. Used almost exclusively on passing downs, he registered four sacks, seven quarterbacks hits and 16 hurries in 212 pass rushes, according to Pro Football Focus. Extrapolating those numbers, he'd probably have eight to 10 sacks in a full-time role.

Mauldin has so much to learn that he doesn't know what he doesn't know. For one thing, he needs to develop more pass-rushing moves, according to Bowles. He needs to learn the base defense, how to drop into coverage, how to set the edge ... you get the picture.

Chances are, the Jets will draft another outside linebacker in the first few rounds, perhaps in the first round (20th overall). Even if they do, they'll still need a breakout season from Mauldin. Bowles wants to find an edge rusher (or two) who can complement the inside power of Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson and Leonard Williams.

General manager Mike Maccagnan drafted Mauldin with the idea that he could take a year before ascending to an every-down gig. That's how it works sometimes in the NFL; it's the patient approach. You draft, you develop and you hope they're ready when it's time.

For Mauldin, it's time.