Player Interest List v2.0 – Secondary
While we created an earlier version of this list, in large part due to the help of Steiny, this list has absolutely exploded. Now, So look for the rest of the positional groups one by one over the next 24 hours. Make sure to thank Steiny for his hard work in the comments.
While the Jets have interviewed and scouted literally hundresd of players, here’s our best attempt to come up with a list (with links to prove it) that the Jets have had some sort of extended contact with the following players.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
CB Ray Fisher (Indiana) 5-10, 185,
Projection: 5-7 Description: Former WR with just one year of CB skills. Also can KR/PR. Raw talent, but talented.
CB Brandon Ghee (Wake Forest) 5-11, 191, 4.37 40yd dash
Projection: 2-3 Description: Has a meeting set up with the Jets, had an impressive 3.98 short shuttle on his pro day. Good in coverage whether man or zone, excellent athlete who plays larger than his size. Can be too aggressive at times, needs to improve his footwork and isn’t projected as an NFL “playmaker” according to some scouts.
NEW CB Kareem Jackson (Alabama) 5-11, 196, 4.40 40yd dash
Projection: 1-2 Description: Jackson was scheduled to visit the Jets. Solid press corner, who plays well at the line of scrimmage.
CB Robert “Reggie” McClain (Connecticut) 5-9, 194, 4.42 40yd dash
Projection: Rd 7 / UDFA Description: Pulled up with a bad hamstring during his pro day, will spend time with a few teams (Jags, 49ers, Patriots) and the Jets. McClain also showed impressive athletics with a 38″ vert and 23 reps at 225. Can play nickel and posted an impressive 12.6 YPR on punts (6th among seniors) in 2009.
CB Devin McCourty (Rutgers) 5-11, 193, 4.48 40yd dash
Projection: Rd 1-2-Description: Identical twin already plays CB for Titans, very smart, better with WRs ahead than behind, excellent special teamer.
CB Patrick Robinson (Florida State) 5-11, 190, 4.46 40yd dash
Projection: Rd 1-2 Description: Press cover corner, needs growth in zone & run support.
NEW CB Jerome Murphy (South Florida) 6-0, 196, 4.50 40yd dash
Projection: 2-3 Description: Spoke with the Jets. Murphy lacks great size (6-0, 196 pounds), but is a powerful hitter, and may be moved to safety in the NFL. A physical player, he needs to be a better tackler and is a bit slight for his height.
NEW CB Kyle Wilson (Boise State) 5-10, 194, 4.43 40yd dash
Projection: 1 Description: Wilson visited the New York Jets and is one of the best playmakers in this draft class from the secondary. Playing in the WAC will draw some questions as his abilities to transition.
NEW S Nate Allen (South Florida) 6-1, 207, 4.40yd dash
Projection: Rd 2 Description: The Jets had a private interview/trip with Allen, nicknamed “The Golden Child.” Allen loves the game, and is a solid safety up around the line and back in coverage. Would be a step up from current safeties.
NEW S Stevie Brown (Michigan) 5-11, 212, 4.52yd dash
Projection: Rd 6-7 Description: The Jets like Brown and spent a lot of time quizzing former UM coach Lloyd Carr before spending significant time with Brown. Not invited to Combine, could be core special teamer and was solid in run support for the Wolverines.
FS Anthony Levine (Tennessee State) 5-11, 193 4.43 40yd dash
Projection: Rd 4 Description: Jets asked for ‘more film’ at Levine’s Pro Day. Levine plays bigger than his size, but needs to improve his finnesse and coverage skills.
NEW FS Mike Newton (SUNY Buffalo) 5-10, 197, 4.40 40yd dash
Projection: Rd 7 Description: Jets attended his Pro Day workout.
NEW FS Terrell Skinner (University of Maryland) 6-2, 214, 4.59 40yd dash
Projection: Rd 4 Description: Transitioned from WR to FS as a freshman, has a very long wingspan (6-9) and is a willing open field tackler. Not known as a playmaker. Likely initial special teamer with upside.
NEW FS Donovan Warren (Michigan) 6-0, 193, 4.62 40yd dash
Projection: 5-6 Description: Warren interviewed, with the Jets at the Combine. Warren noted that his meeting with Ryan was “a real good meeting.”
Analysis: The Jets are looking for a corner who can play nickel/slot and might project to a larger role down the road. Man coverage and agility are traits they are definitively looking for in a corner. If the player can also be a punt returner, that might be a bonus for the Jets. While the Jets added Cromartie this offseason, they’re not opposed to using a high pick on a corner. As far as safeties, they’ve looked at a wide range of players, but most seem to not be par excellence when it comes to their coverage skills, leading you think think they are leaning towards a 46-type safety. It would appear that other than a very short list of players, they’d likely try and draft a player late.
12 Responses to Player Interest List v2.0 – Secondary
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DaveBleedsGreen says:
Again, my favorite attainable safety is ignored. RESHAD JONES!!
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Brendan says:
As was the other Jones (Chad Jones from LSU).
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EastSide says:
I’d be happy with a ‘Had Jones. Reshad has the potential to be a Sean Taylor type, Chad the potential to play like Polamalu, IMO.
Also, didn’t the Jets bring in UF’s Major Wright? And great work Steiny. Really helpful going forward with draft analysis.
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Shawn says:
DEVIN McCOURTY ALL DAY! HE WILL BE THE NEXT REVIS! COMING OUT OF ST. JOE’S. COACH KARCICH CREATES TRUE BEASTS!
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firstdown77 says:
Mccourty is from Rutgers.
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St Joe’s is a high school in N. Jersey. It’s like Don Bosco’s little step-brother that doesn’t know when to stop taking a beating.
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Green Lantern says:
Actually Nate Allen Is One Of The Safeties I like in this draft! Hope we can scoop him up if we don’t get Taylor Mays.
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Watching Mcgee Play this year I thought he was 6’2!! That height is surprising to me.
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As usual I like the Michigan kid D Warren…The kid ran a BS 40 but plays much faster he is also a man to man player who could play CB/S similar to Marlin Jackson when he came out.
He also left school too early as he didnt care for R Rod’s defense and knew he could use another year as he was told he had 3-4th round value in Feb from NFL scouts.
A like P Robinson the best of all of the legit CB’s in the draft (outside of Haden)
As stated in previous posts I have been following Chad Jones from LSU for a while and hope he is around in round 2 when we pick.
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Jon P says:
mike newton is going to be a steal
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Mavericknyc1980 says:
Sounds like the kid from rutgers any solid scouting report??
I’m real high on Nate Allen. I’d do cartwheels if we could trade down and get him early in the 2nd, still get Ricky Sapp, and pocket an extra pick or two.