New York Jets 2017 Rookie Review: Jamal Adams
The New York Jets selected safety Jamal Adams of LSU with the sixth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Here is a recap of his rookie season.
Good fortune smiled on the New York Jets in the opening round of last year’s NFL Draft. With the sixth pick, Gang Green selected safety Jamal Adams of LSU. Some experts thought Adams was the best player in the entire draft. The Jets had no choice but to grab him. It was simply a no-brainer. Based on his performance in his rookie campaign, the Lewisville, TX native was their finest selection since they tabbed Leonard Williams with the sixth overall pick back in 2015.
Not only did Adams excel on the field, he impressed his teammates with his leadership and intensity. He teamed with Marcus Maye to give the Jets one of the premier young safety tandems in the league. If he can remain healthy, Adams’ future looks bright indeed. He has all the attributes necessary to become a perennial Pro Bowl performer.
Adams played in all 16 games last season and finished third on the team with 63 solo tackles while adding 19 assisted tackles. He added a pair of sacks, six passes defensed, eight stuffs, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries as well. Sure, he had a few struggles — like covering the opposition’s top tight end at times — but all rookies have some growing pains along the way.
Let’s take at peek at some of his highlights via YouTube:
The first thing that jumps off the video is what a natural-born leader Adams is. That was his reputation at LSU and it certainly holds true on the NFL level. He is a natural at getting his teammates fired up and motivated. Wouldn’t you want to go and play with this guy? You can tell he loves playing football and that has to rub off on his teammates.
On the gridiron Adams is a tough, physical player and a superb open field tackler. He has outstanding cover skills for a safety and excellent speed from sideline to sideline. Adams is especially effective when there are eight men in the box to stop the run. He has an excellent nose for the football and a motor that just won’t quit. His energy level is through the roof.
The 6-1, 214-pounder was named to the 2017 NFL All-Rookie Team recently. He’s the lone Gang Green player to be so honored. They’ll be many more accolades coming his way before his career is over.
Adams was thrilled to have become a member of the Jets, as he recently told the NY Post:
"“It was a dream come true,” Adams said. “I’m right where I need to be. I love this organization. I love the people around here. I love where it’s going. This team has a lot of potential. We’re only going to get better. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. All of the ups and downs are a learning experience.”"
It was also a dream come true for the Jets organization to draft a player like Adams. The sky’s the limit for this future All-Pro performer.
Overall Grade: A