Marquand Manuel has the largest role among this Jets defense. He has a lot of success in the past, transitioning CB to Safeties and more importantly, developing Keanu Neal, another safety moving to WILL. Below is a wonderful article highlighting his efforts with Seattle and Atlanta. https://phillysportsnetwork.com/2020/03/05/a-109/
ANother thing of note, Tony Oden is the Sr defensive assistant/cornerback coach. Below are some of the highlights of his work. "Prior to his start with the Jets, Oden spent a season as the defensive backs/cornerbacks coach in San Francisco (2020). Despite using seven different starters at corner, the 49ers finished fourth in passing defense while also ranking in the top 10 in both completion percentage and passer rating allowed. In Miami (2018-19), Oden helped a pair of young players in Xavien Howard and Minkah Fitzpatrick. In 2018, as the defensive backs coach, Howard registered seven interceptions to tie for the league lead, earning his first Pro Bowl appearance. Additionally, Fitzpatrick finished in the top five among all rookie safeties in tackles, interceptions and passes defensed." https://www.newyorkjets.com/team/coaches-roster/tony-oden
These are the diamonds in the rough that I always talk about. It seems like all great GMs & coaches in every sport have a habit of continually being able to find them. Pat Riley and Bill Parcells come to mind. Anybody can draft a great college player and look good, but it's those who have that special ability to see potential in later-round players & even undrafted ones that others don't see that end up helping you win games. So although we traded 2 thirds to move up, JD might have hit a home run in rounds 4, 5, & 6.
Love watching his highlights! Tough dude, hard hits. Funny thing is he's about the same size and weight at Zack Wilson (6-3, 215 vs 6-2, 215) and we're worried about Zack holding up!
Wow, he could wind up being impactful, really sucks that the ACL tear injured his draft status and wallet Go Hamsah!
