Although Jim Leonhard had a hefty buzz when the season ended, it was based mostly on the second half of last year. So, naturally, people are interested to see the former Raven suit up and play full-time. Pro Football Weekly put together a list of defensive players who could surprise this year, and guess who topped it?

Now, he (Leonhard) enters training camp in New York as a full-time starter, and we should expect him to produce in Rex Ryan’s system — one of the major selling points when Leonhard chose the Jets over the Eagles in free agency. Leonhard has the ability to play man-to-man on the slot in three-wide-receiver sets, can play the nickel corner in a pinch and has good enough feet to match up with tight ends in the AFC East. Plus, he should be a factor in the punt return game. Players like Leonhard — who haven’t been handed anything on a silver platter in their careers like many first-round picks — continue to work hard even after they’re given a starting role. Expect him to make some plays in this defense.

If you could have told Jets fans they could have had either Bart Scott or Jim Leonhard this offseason, there may have been more contention that you think. Leonhard did an outstanding job filling in for the injured Dawan Landry and being in his second full year in Rex’s system could do wonders. He could be just as much a leader in the secondary as Rhodes with his experience. What do you think? What can he do for the Jets in 2009?

Filed under: Links