With the start of the 2017 NFL season quickly coming, the 2017 York Jets may be in need of a diverse presence in their defensive backfield, particularly at safety. Despite having one of the league’s best cornerback groupings, led by two-time first-team All-Pro Sauce Garner and D.J. Reed, the Jets’ safeties struggled in pass coverage last season. If the Jets decide to improve their performance in the middle rounds of the April draft, they may want to keep an eye on Auburn’s Jaylin Simpson.
Simpson was a good defender for Auburn during his senior year, as well as a standout special teams player. In 2023, Simpson had 38 tackles, four interceptions, and three passes defended. With 650 defensive snaps, the 6-1, 178-pounder spent the majority of his time as a deep safety (299 snaps) and the remaining 150 as a box safety. The Brunswick, Georgia native also has 195 snaps as a slot cornerback. Simpson received an overall grade of 76.9 from Pro Football Focus.
Simpon’s above-average football IQ should make him a reliable defender in downfield coverage, despite the fact that he is slightly underweight for NFL contact. As a result, Simpson might be a valuable reserve option with the ability to contribute on special teams and the potential to advance to a larger position. Related: Jets and C.J. Mosley Sign New Deal, Save Plenty of Cap Space
With safety Jordan Whitehead and Ashtyn Davis departing in free agency, New York will almost surely address the position, either through the draft or free agency. Though the Jets are widely expected to seek offensive help with the No. 10 overall pick, they may aim to address a need with a bright young player on Day 3. New York’s position group for next season includes third-year free safety Tony Adams, just re-signed Chuck Clark, and rookie defensive back Jarrick Bernard-Converse.
