As offseason workouts are underway, the energy from the New York Jets radiates with enthusiasm. Head coach Aaron Glenn is bringing an intensity from leadership that hasn’t been felt since his former mentor, Bill Parcells. Along with it, the team is witnessing their rookie class interact with the roster. Thus far, early returns have been promising. Of the rookie class, many expect the stars to be seventh overall pick right tackle Armand Membou & second-round pick Mason Taylor to help the offense. However, another impact player could emerge in their fourth-round pick. Out of Alabama, safety Malachi Moore has the opportunity to impress the coaching staff early. As of now, the competition to start next to free agent signing Andre Cisco at strong safety is underway. With a defensive scheme led by both Aaron Glenn and longtime defensive backs coach Steve Wilks, the rookie could earn a starting job this summer.
Late-Round Rookie Has Impressed Early for the Jets
Approaching training camp, there will be some interesting position battles this offseason. On offense, the competition for the second wide receiver job is underway. As well as a potential challenge to starting center Joe Tippmann from veteran Josh Myers. The same can be said on defense. Thus far, the biggest competitions have emerged at defensive tackle next to Quinnen Williams and linebacker depth behind Quincy Williams & Jamien Sherwood. However, strong safety is another position to pay attention to. In March, New York signed longtime Jacksonville Jaguars safety Andre Cisco to start at free safety. Before the draft, Tony Adams was the favorite to start. Suddenly, he finds himself in competition with a talented fourth-round pick with upside. Learn more about the impact Malachi Moore can have on the Jets secondary.
Fourth Round Pick Malachi Moore Can Earn a Starting Job
Between the combined experience of Aaron Glenn and Steve Wilks’ history of working with secondaries, the Jets were expected to retool the defensive back group. At cornerback, veterans Sauce Gardner and free agent signing Brandon Stephens will join Andre Cisco as the starters. In the fourth round, the Jets selected University of Alabama safety Malachi Moore. Moore was a multi-year starter at Alabama for Nick Saban’s complex defense. During his five-year tenure, Alabama started at multiple positions. This includes free safety, strong safety, and slot. That versatility in one of the toughest defenses for defensive backs to learn has truly elevated his value as a smart football player. Combined with his underrated speed, Moore can be an asset in this defense.
One of the advantages Moore has in the competition is Aaron Glenn’s connections to one of Moore’s former teammates. While with the Detroit Lions, Aaron Glenn developed a close relationship with safety Brian Branch. The Lions defensive back was in contact with Glenn during the draft process, providing information on his former college teammate to his former defensive coordinator. Branch is coming off his first Pro Bowl season in his second year after being drafted in the second round. Despite winning a starting job over him, Branch spoke glowingly of Moore’s ability. In addition, Moore also reached out to Lions cornerback & former Alabama teammate Terrior Arnold for info about his new head coach.
Moore’s Value As a Starter
The opportunity for Malachi Moore to start is right in front of him. After a career-high 70 total tackles in his final season at Alabama, Malachi Moore can be useful in this secondary. With an ability to finish tackles, it can make Sauce Gardner’s job that much easier to cover the opponent’s primary target. Moore’s speed will also allow fewer open looks over the middle of the field, allowing more time for the front seven to get after the backfield. In addition, Moore has shown an ability to get aggressive on blitzes. While he only had two sacks in his career, he can still be useful getting into the backfield.
Tony Adams deserves every right to enter training camp as the presumed starter. Alas, that shouldn’t guarantee the same will be said week 1 in Pittsburgh. For better or for worse, this coaching staff will give him every opportunity to prevent Malachi Moore from starting. However, when you combine his experience, versatility, and high football IQ, it’s hard not to be amazed by Malachi Moore. A very gifted athlete who has the chance to impress in his rookie season when factoring in his coaching staff and fellow defensive backs he’s playing with.
Main Photo: [Will McLeeland] – USA Today Sports
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