As part of The Post’s 2021 NFL Draft preview, we examine what the Jets might do at each position. Friday: Safety
The Jets are set at the top of the depth chart at safety. They used the franchise tag on Marcus Maye, signed Lamarcus Joyner in free agency and drafted Ashtyn Davis a year ago. But Maye’s status is murky beyond this season and Joyner is 30, so the Jets need to add some depth here with an eye on the future.
The team has four picks total in the fifth and sixth rounds, and I think general manager Joe Douglas could use one of those picks on a safety, with the idea the player could contribute on special teams this year and then possibly develop into a defensive starter in 2022.
Some of the potential safeties projected to be available in that range are Cincinnati’s James Wiggins, Florida’s Shawn Davis, Pittsburgh’s Damar Hamlin and Syracuse’s Trill Williams.
Shawn Davis of Florida intercepts the ball. APIt is crazy to think that safety might be a position of need soon. In 2017, when the Jets drafted Jamal Adams in the first round and Maye in the second round, it appeared they would be set at the position for years to come. But Adams was traded last year and Maye has not gotten the contract extension he wants. If the Jets and Maye don’t reach a deal by July 15, there is a strong possibility he could depart as a free agent next year.
If that happens, safety will be a major need in 2022.
