The Jets bolstered their future with the Jamal Adams trade, acquiring first-round picks in 2021 and 2022. But what about the present?
The safety was their most dynamic player, described recently by defensive coordinator Gregg Williams as a potential Pro Football Hall of Famer. It isn't easy to replace a player of that caliber, but the situation isn't hopeless.
Along with draft picks, the Jets received longtime starter Bradley McDougald, who replaced Kam Chancellor in the Seattle Seahawks' once feared secondary. The Jets have big plans for McDougald, who will get first dibs at strong safety.
McDougald, 29, was an undrafted free agent who made himself into a serviceable starter (75 starts). He doesn't have Adams' speed, but he's surprisingly good in man-to-man coverage. Pro Football Focus ranked him fourth among safeties in man-to-man the past two seasons.
Because he's a box safety, McDougald's skills should complement those of free safety Marcus Maye, who is entering a contract year and will have a chance to be the leader of the secondary.
The Jets also expect third-round pick Ashtyn Davis to make an immediate contribution. He's bright, tough, competitive and ultra-athletic, with the ability to play free and strong safety. He has "Gregg Williams' kind of player" written all over him, so don't be surprised if he secures a role.
Williams is the ideal coach in this situation because he's resourceful and finds ways to move his chess pieces around the board. (See: last season's juggling at cornerback and linebacker.) In previous stops, he has taken nickelbacks and converted them into safeties. He's a big believer in cross training.
Don't be surprised if the Jets add a safety at some point. There are some interesting names on the market, including Eric Reid.
Not only do they have to replace Adams' production (6.5 sacks and one interception), but they will also have to fill the energy void. Adams was a catalyst; not even a wily coach such as Williams can manufacture that. Although he isn't as fiery as Adams, linebacker C.J. Mosley's return to the lineup surely will help.
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The safety was their most dynamic player, described recently by defensive coordinator Gregg Williams as a potential Pro Football Hall of Famer. It isn't easy to replace a player of that caliber, but the situation isn't hopeless.
Along with draft picks, the Jets received longtime starter Bradley McDougald, who replaced Kam Chancellor in the Seattle Seahawks' once feared secondary. The Jets have big plans for McDougald, who will get first dibs at strong safety.
McDougald, 29, was an undrafted free agent who made himself into a serviceable starter (75 starts). He doesn't have Adams' speed, but he's surprisingly good in man-to-man coverage. Pro Football Focus ranked him fourth among safeties in man-to-man the past two seasons.
Because he's a box safety, McDougald's skills should complement those of free safety Marcus Maye, who is entering a contract year and will have a chance to be the leader of the secondary.
The Jets also expect third-round pick Ashtyn Davis to make an immediate contribution. He's bright, tough, competitive and ultra-athletic, with the ability to play free and strong safety. He has "Gregg Williams' kind of player" written all over him, so don't be surprised if he secures a role.
Williams is the ideal coach in this situation because he's resourceful and finds ways to move his chess pieces around the board. (See: last season's juggling at cornerback and linebacker.) In previous stops, he has taken nickelbacks and converted them into safeties. He's a big believer in cross training.
Don't be surprised if the Jets add a safety at some point. There are some interesting names on the market, including Eric Reid.
Not only do they have to replace Adams' production (6.5 sacks and one interception), but they will also have to fill the energy void. Adams was a catalyst; not even a wily coach such as Williams can manufacture that. Although he isn't as fiery as Adams, linebacker C.J. Mosley's return to the lineup surely will help.
Bradley McDougald, rookie Ashtyn Davis part of Jets' plan at safety
Landing the veteran in a trade with Seattle gives New York a starter to pair with Marcus Maye while the team's third-round pick competes for snaps.
