New York Jets Rookie Profile: Jamal Adams, Safety

Taking an in-depth look at safety Jamal Adams, the New York Jets’ first round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

The New York Jets may have hit the jackpot when they selected safety Jamal Adams in the first round (sixth overall) of this year’s NFL Draft. Many scouts felt that the LSU product was the premier prospect in the entire draft regardless of position.

The son of former NFL running back George Adams, the 6-0, 214-pounder was a second-team All-American in 2016 and a first-team All-SEC selection for the Tigers. Adams was the highest selected defensive back from LSU since his current Gang Green teammate, Morris Claiborne, was drafted No. 6 overall by Dallas in 2012. Hopefully they’ll prosper together in New York’s defensive backfield this coming season.

Adams is known for being a superb athlete, outstanding leader and for having a motor that never quits. He is a very versatile safety, capable of playing deep in coverage or near the line of scrimmage to help stop the run. The Lewisville, TX native is talented enough that he could play cornerback and not miss a beat, although that scenario is not in New York’s plans at the present time.

Let’s take a look at some of his highlights while at Baton Rogue:

Wow. That’s all you can say after watching that tape. His high intensity level just comes popping through the video screen. Adams is an excellent tackler, whether he is near the line of scrimmage or in the open field. His pursuit to the football is outstanding — he seems to fly from sideline to sideline. He displays fine fundamental technique by staying level and wrapping his opponents up, usually with a jarring hit. Adams is one of the most physical defensive backs in this year’s draft.

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Adams is quite capable of covering wide receivers in the slot and tight ends as well. His quickness allows him to break up pass plays that first appear to be long-gainers. Adams had five interceptions and nine pass breakups last season and his read-and-react skills are top notch. He is also known for having a very high football IQ, great instincts and he was the unquestioned leader of LSU’s defense in 2016.

One aspect of his game that can be improved is his range. I’ve watched a lot of video and fellow rookie safety Malik Hooker of the Indianapolis Colts displays better range than Adams, but he is not nearly the same overall safety that Adams is. There is no doubt that the former Tigers star has NFL Pro Bowler written all over him if he can remain healthy. He’s that good.

One player that has been really impressed with Adams so far in OTAs and minicamps is Claiborne, as he told nj.com:

"“He’s been out here playing lights out,” Claiborne said. “Picking up the defense, checking to different things, knowing what he wants to check to. He’s having fun doing it, too. His spirit is awesome. He’s having fun doing what he knows how to do, and that’s football.“I can’t be more impressed with a young guy coming into the league, and, especially playing on that backend, doing the things he’s done so far.”"

The Jets are counting on Adams and fellow rookie safety Marcus Maye to help turn around one of the worst secondaries in the league, a secondary that allowed the sixth most passing touchdowns (30) last season. They’ll need help from Claiborne and their other cornerbacks as well but the future certainly looks bright for both players.

Next: Early 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Darnold to Browns

It would come as no surprise to see Adams on the NFL All-Rookie team when the 2017 season is over. He looks like a special player. The Jets could use a few more of those.