Its no secret that the Jets need to add quality and depth to the safety position in the upcoming draft. Eric Smith is the only starter left on the squad from last year with Tracey Wilson as backup! (Brodney Pool signed with the Cowboys).
The addition of LaRon Landry on paper looks like a good move, but question marks remain regarding his overall durability. Some depth has been added with the recent signing of DeAngelo Smith, but its hard to see him making the 53 man squad based on his past performances, I see him more of camp body that anything else if I'm being honest.
Jim Leonhard...for me its a no brainer sign the guy up, its no coincidence that after losing Jim Leonhard in consecutive seasons through injury the Jets give up 45 points in their next game (Monday night massacre against the Pats and the Eagles this year).
The thought of entering the 2012 season with Eric Smith, injury prone Landry and possibly Leonhard, plus the inexperienced DeAngelo Smith and Wilson scares me stiff.
Onto the draft, we've all read and know plenty about the top safety prospect Mark Barron (Alabama), but with rumours that the Jets are set to add the best available talent at the time I feel we'll miss out on Barron, looking beyond the first round here's a closer look at a couple of prospects that have caught my eye.
Harrison Smith 6ft 2" 213 lbs Notre Dame
I'm a fan of Smith and he'd be my choice should we add Upshaw or Ingram in the first round. He plays hard, posses good break up skills, very consistent/smart recognises plays early, has the power and strength to defend the against the run. Has the ability to play either safety position. (protected 2nd rd pick).
Martin is a big hitter, posses good speed/athletic ability solid against the run. Experienced, has performed well against the likes of Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III. Matches up well against slot receivers, tight ends and running backs out the back field. Shoulder and hip injuries in the past. (projected 2-4th rd pick).
In the mould of a strong safety with all the free safety traits. Very smart player reads the QB well, posses natural coverage ability. Natural leader was a permanent captain. Fast, physical like to make the big hits. Need to work on wrapping up when tackling, takes unnecessary risks. (projected as a 3rd rd pick).
Versatile can play cornerback as well as free safety, reads the game well. Respected on and of the field by coaches and team mates. Despite his size leaps well, comes into his own when playing the deep safety role. Tackling skills need work, lacks the initial burst of speed. (projected as a 4th-5th rd pick).
The opportunity arose for me to interview Demario, who I might add, was an utter gentleman throughout. I’m not ashamed to admit the fan in me became apparent when I stumbled on a question or two! Who wouldn’t? He was right in front of me on Skype.
During the 45 minute conversation we touched on a variety of subjects including college, his pro
Linebacker Nick Bellore was signed by the Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2011. Bellore played his college ball at Central Michigan. During his time at CMU Bellore he appeared in 3 bowl games (winning the Gmac Bowl in 2010). Bellore was also selected as the CMU defensive player of the year in both 2008 and 2009.
Regular visitors to the site know we like to do things a little differently, by bringing you something a little different when it come to our interviews. As well as an insight to the Jets players we like to explore/educate and maybe shed a little light on various aspects of the NFL. Having already featured an article on Tailgating
Tight End Josh Baker was signed by the Jets as an undrafted free agent in July 2011 out of North West Missouri State . During his rookie year with the team, he's handled everything that's been thrown his way with dignity,
Born in Brooklyn New York, Jamaal Westerman was signed to by The New York Jets in 2009 as undrafted free agent. The 6ft 3" 265lb OLB played college football at Rutgers. During his time at Rutgers he was named in all Big East team 2006/08 and finished with 26 sacks (3rd in Rutgers school history). He made his debut for the Jets on September 13th 2009 against the Houston Texans during which recorded his first NFL sack.
It’s not every day that you get the opportunity to speak to a New York Jets legend. But on Thursday 8th September my moment came - I was going to Interview #21 Safety Victor Green
