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New York Jets: 5 Impact players under 25

By Michael Pallas

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 26: Strong safety Jamal Adams
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 26: Strong safety Jamal Adams /
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ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 29: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans looks to throw against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half of the 82nd Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic between USC and Ohio State at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 29: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans looks to throw against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half of the 82nd Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic between USC and Ohio State at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /

2. Sam Darnold, QB (First Round, 2018 NFL Draft)

The Jets have finally learned not to rely on a quarterback with the limitations that both Josh McCown and Ryan Firtzpatrick. They learned their lesson on what it’s like to have a quarterback with limited arm strength but good accuracy. They don’t work long-term.

If you could have a quarterback with the accuracy of McCown and the arm strength of the Buffalo Bills 2018 NFL Draft selection Josh Allen, and the mobility of Lamar Jackson, you might have as close to the perfect NFL quarterback as you can get.

Darnold is accurate, had mobility (albeit not to the level of Jackson), and has arm strength (although not quite the level of Allen). They finally have a quarterback who can take advantage of the weapons, because he can make all of the throws necessary to win games.

Even though Darnold will be working with a first-year offensive coordinator — Jeremy Bates — they have time to work together and get to know each other during the offseason. Say what you will about a rookie quarterback/first-year offensive coordinator combo, but Darnold’s talent combined with the talent on the team is enough for Darnold to be able to make an impact as a rookie.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 24: Jamal Adams #33 of the New York Jets reacts against the Los Angeles Chargersduring the first half of an NFL game at MetLife Stadium on December 24, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 24: Jamal Adams #33 of the New York Jets reacts against the Los Angeles Chargersduring the first half of an NFL game at MetLife Stadium on December 24, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images) /

1. Jamal Adams, SS (First Round, 2017 NFL Draft)

According to Pro Football Focus Elite, Jamal Adams showed up in his rookie season. He was 13th in the NFL in run stop percentage (6.8 percent) and 11th in the league in pass rush productivity (getting a sack, quarterback hit, or hurry on 9.4 snaps when he was a pass rusher). He was also tied for first in overall run stops with 26.

However, there was an intangible force at work, and that was his leadership. It showed up in some players, especially the guy who played beside him and outperformed him in the PFF Elite categories of tackling efficiency and coverage.

Before the 2017 NFL Draft, his leadership ability was the thing scouts raved about, and it showed early on in 2017. It may be way too early to compare him to a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but his leadership in 2017 reminded me of Ray Lewis with the Ravens. It was a “Follow me” type of attitude that was infectious.

Next: NFL 2018: Each team's biggest storyline pre-OTAs

Many people didn’t see the Jets winning five games. So, his impact as a rookie was seen immediately. With improvements in his game on the field, his locker room presence will only grow, and he can become the vocal leader that Lewis was for the Ravens.

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