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New York Jets: The next steps for Gang Green’s secondary

By Nick Zaccone

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 03: Morris Claiborne
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 03: Morris Claiborne /
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The New York Jets are looking good with two rookie safeties, but there is still much more work to be done to improve the team’s secondary.

A football team’s secondary is one of the most vital keys to victory. In 2015, the New York Jets brought back Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie with tremendous optimism. In 2016, Cromartie became irrelevant and Revis practically crumbled against receivers like Marquis Goodwin and Terrelle Pryor.

Now we’re in 2017, and both Revis and Cromartie are gone. Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye seem to be the new and improved defensive duo in New York. Both safeties have shined in their starting roles and should serve as defensive anchors for seasons to come.

Adams and Maye have proven their worth right off the bat. Jamal Adams currently has 42 total tackles through 12 games played, and Maye has 44 total and two interceptions to add to it. Both players currently have better stats than Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor this season, individually. Both Thomas and Chancellor have missed 2-3 games, but it’s reasonable to say that if they didn’t, the two Jets would still be in the lead, maybe neck and neck.

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Morris Claiborne has been decent this season, holding his own as New York’s primary corner. However, the Jets don’t have a standout second cornerback. The rotation keeps turning as many players have taken turns at the empty role. To sum it up, Mike Maccagnan needs to search for a new cornerback.

Where to start? All season it seemed almost certain Gang Green would be selecting a quarterback in the first round this April. As of now, they don’t even hold a top 10 pick. If Mac were to consider drafting a corner in the first round, it would mean missing out on another quarterback.

At first glance, Alabama’s Minkah Fitzpatrick is the most talented cornerback in the 2018 draft. In 2016, Fitzpatrick totaled six INTs in one season, along with 66 total tackles and seven passes defended. He’s experiencing a small dip this season, however, posting 52 total tackles, one INT, and six passes defended. Nagging injuries have sporadically sidelined Minkah throughout the season, which is something the Jets would need to consider before drafting him.

Ohio State’s Denzel Ward is also an intriguing option. He currently has 30 solo tackles out of 37 total this season. His two INTs exceed that of Fitzpatrick, along with his 15 passes defended.

Drafting a first round defensive back two years in a row might rub the wrong way with some fans, considering the offense’s need for a young quarterback. If a quarterback ends up falling into New York’s lap, then the Jets would have to turn to free agency to acquire a corner.

Los Angeles’s Trumaine Johnson is the best option as of now. It doesn’t look like the Rams will use their franchise tag on him. He’s become one of the league’s best defensive backs in Los Angeles, but he’s been a questionable fit in the Rams defense. Even if he hits the market, 27-year-old Johnson is not worth the long-term money.

Next: A different option for the Jets in the draft

Malcolm Butler is a cheaper option, but still may be a bit too pricey. If he does decide to leave New England, it’s going to be for a large payday. Although many view him as a top defensive back, I never felt that Butler was a true asset to the New England secondary. Compared to Chicago’s Kyle Fuller, also set to become a free agent, Fuller has more tackles and more passes defended. Why break the bank for 27-year-old Butler when 25-year-old Kyle Fuller is already a difference-maker?

Altogether, the upcoming rookies look more promising than most free agents to boost the team’s secondary this spring. If the quarterback plan doesn’t pan out, Mac shouldn’t hold back from addressing another need.

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