New York Jets: Five important players for 2018 season not named Darnold

Jamal Adams

As the sixth overall choice in the 2017 draft, Jamal Adams joined the Jets with a lot of fanfare. He along with Marcus Maye were brought in to turn the Jets secondary around. He was to be the vocal and versatile leader ready to lead the Jets forward into this new era. Adams could play free safety, strong safety and even in the slot. The expectations were high.

He did play all of those different positions last year. To his credit, Adams recorded 82 tackles and two sacks. He also forced one fumble and recovered two more. He defended six passes but recorded no interceptions. That is the next step that Adams must take in his game. He must learn from the missteps as a rookie and start turning some of his bigger plays into turnovers.

In fact, his ability to do so will be crucial to Jets success in 2018. Last year, the Jets were ranked 25th overall in turnover differential with a -4. When they won ten games in 2015, their differential was a +6. Winning the turnover battle translates into winning football games. It’s tried and true and has remained that way for decades.

Adams is a crucial soldier in the war the Jets will wage against their opponents.