In the modern-day NFL, the safety position is not a premium one. It is the reason why the New York Jets went onto trade Jamal Adams last off-season and have yet to extend Marcus Maye. Yet, without a strong safety tandem in the backend, a defense can completely collapse.
After having the duo of Adams and Maye from 2017-2019, Jets fans were spoiled by the ability of their safeties. In 2020, outside of Maye’s career year, safety was not the team’s strongest position. Depth was an issue, something the team looked to resolve this off-season.
Here is how the 2021 New York Jets safeties will make their mark…
2021 New York Jets Preview: Safeties
The Starters: Marcus Maye (Free), Lamarcus Joyner (Strong)
The Good
As previously mentioned, former 2017 second-round pick Marcus Maye is coming off a career year in overall subpar defense. The leader of the defense, Maye stepped up in year one without Adams, making fans quickly forget about their former All-Pro. Maye started every game, recording two interceptions, and career-highs in pass deflections, forced fumbles, sacks, total tackles, and tackles for a loss.
Yes, Maye, like any player, is not pleased about playing under the franchise tag rather than on a long-term contract. However, that will make the 28-year-old hungry to top his 2020 season.
Similarly, Lamarcus Joyner is looking to remind people of what he is capable of. During training camp, he has been everywhere, making tackles and deflecting passes. Having played linebacker for the Las Vegas Raiders last year, Joyner’s move to strong safety should be a smooth transition. Joyner is an instinctive player who will allow Maye to thrive in coverage.
That Bad
Here is where things get interesting. Both Maye and Joyner are very talented and proven veterans. They are both entering a new scheme in the Jets 4-3 defense and are not exactly young either. Hopefully, the fire Head Coach Robert Saleh has lit at 1 Jets Drive will push them towards the duo’s potential.
The Backups: Ashtyn Davis
Behind Maye and Joyner, the Jets have a promising backup safety tandem if healthy. Ashtyn Davis, the team’s third-round pick last year, is already out to start the season. Once Davis returns from his foot injury, he is likely to be the number three safety. He displayed his athleticism and versatility as a rookie but is still trying to find his role in the NFL.
The Bubble: J.T Hassell, Sharrod Neasman, Bennett Jackson, Saquan Hampton
After being signed in December, J.T. Hassell stuck with the team for three games, only playing on special teams. Now, Hassell looks to make an impact on defense as he has impressed during training camp. Of all these players, Hassell has a solid shot to make the 53-man roster.
Meanwhile, Sharrod Neasman has held his own during training camp. Having spent his entire five-year career with the Atlanta Falcons, Neasman has played under defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich before. He plays his most efficient game in the box but struggles in coverage. Something that must improve for him to be the fourth safety.
As for Bennett Jackson and Saquan Hampton, who knows where they stand currently. Jackson, a former New York Giants sixth-round pick in 2014, has bounced around the league his entire career. The majority of his playtime has always come on special teams, as his versatility in being able to play corner and safety has never been on display on a regular basis. All while Saquan Hampton is on the physically unable to perform list. When healthy, the Rutgers product has rarely seen the field, with just 102 snaps to his name too.
Final Safeties Analysis
The simple fact of the matter is this – the starting tandem is going to be good if healthy. Maye and Joyner are both hungry for new contracts after this season. Both know the game and will be leaders for the young cornerbacks they will be supporting in coverage. And maybe, just maybe, Davis returns and provides a spark as a third safety.
Stay tuned for the final article in the 2021 New York Jets Preview series with special teams!
2021 New York Jets Preview Series: Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Wide Receivers, Tight Ends, Offensive Tackles, Interior Offensive Lineman, Interior Defensive Line, Edge Rushers, Linebackers, Cornerbacks
