Empire Writes Back
Fansided

New York Jets: Marcus Williams is capable No.2 cornerback

By Nick Ziegler

Oct 23, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets cornerback Marcus Williams (20) celebrates his pass defended during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Ravens 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets cornerback Marcus Williams (20) celebrates his pass defended during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Ravens 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

To the surprise of some, the New York Jets didn’t take a cornerback in the early rounds of the 2017 NFL Draft. Do they feel comfortable with who they already have?

The New York Jets had one of the worst secondaries in the NFL last season, as they were torched by most passing offenses throughout the season. Coming into the NFL Draft, many believed that the Jets would use one of their early picks on a cornerback. However, they ended up waiting until very late in the draft to take a flyer on two cornerbacks.

During the offseason, the Jets most notably parted ways with cornerback Darrelle Revis. After a down season, the Jets had to move on from Revis, who was making a ton of money to be an average cornerback at best.

To replace Revis, the Jets took a shot on former Dallas Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne. In 2016, Claiborne was having a very nice season prior to getting injured. However, before 2016, Claiborne really struggled with the Cowboys.

Coming into the season, Claiborne is considered to be the No.1 cornerback for the Jets. While Claiborne is a bit of question mark, the Jets do appear to have confidence in Marcus Williams to be their No.2 cornerback.

Last season, Williams played very when lined up on the right-hand side. Most of his struggles mostly came when asked to be in the slot. Coming into the season, the Jets could have a pretty solid secondary with Claiborne and Williams playing on the outside. Williams might not be great, but he can certainly be a No.2 corner with some talented young safeties helping over the top.

After a poor 2016 season, Buster Skrine will likely just be asked to play in the slot in 2017. After getting a good sized contract, the Jets certainly need Skrine to perform better in 2017.

Next: Grading the 2017 Jets draft class

Depending on the health of Claiborne, the Jets could have a pretty decent duo starting on the outside at cornerback. Williams can’t be asked to be the No.1, however, he is capable of being the No.2 heading into the season.

Home/New York Jets