Jets complete stunning makeover of secondary by adding Marcus Gilchrist
March, 12, 2015
MAR 12
11:40
PM ET
By Rich Cimini | ESPNNewYork.com
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Takeaways on former San Diego Chargers safety Marcus Gilchrist, who agreed to a four-year contract Thursday night with the New York Jets:
1. Behold, the Jets' new secondary. Gilchrist becomes the fourth new starting-caliber player, joining cornerbacks Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie and Buster Skrine. For coach Todd Bowles, a former safety, this has been like a prolonged Christmas morning. The Jets added four experienced players -- all under the age of 31 (as of now) -- to a secondary that was woefully undermanned last season. To say this has been stunning would be an understatement.
2. Gilchrist's most attractive quality is his versatility. He was drafted as a cornerback (a second-round pick in 2011), so you know he has coverage skills. That explains why the Chargers moved him to the slot in nickel situations. A breakdown of his snaps last season, via ESPN Stats & Information: Slot (401 snaps), strong safety (306) and free safety (201). He played more than 900 defensive snaps, rarely coming off the field. Bowles likes to use a lot of single-high safety looks, so it'll be interesting to see if Gilchrist has the range to play the "center field" role. Chances are, he'll be paired with Calvin Pryor as interchangeable safeties.
3. Gilchrist, 26, is a sure tackler, a hard worker and smart on his feet -- he doesn't make many mental errors, which is critical for a safety. The question is, why hasn't he made more big plays? His career numbers are modest: Five interceptions, 16 pass break-ups and three sacks. The turnover-starved Jets need a ballhawk in the worst way. They need someone to play in space, allowing Pryor to stay in the box. We'll see if Gilchrist can be that guy. He allowed five touchdown passes and committed seven penalties (second-highest among safeties), according to Pro Football Focus data.
