WATCH: Three potential waiver wire CBs that should interest Jets
By the end of the week, there will almost assuredly be more than a few new faces around the Jets' locker room. With over 1,000 players set to hit the waiver wire this weekend, expect Jets GM Joe Douglas to actively look to improve the 53-man roster wherever he sees an opportunity.
The cornerback position has been heavily scrutinized throughout training camp and preseason play. I've highlighted three players at the position that could be of interest, should they shake free this weekend.
1. Ken Crawley (New Orleans Saints)
The most logical fit in my eyes, Crawley's length would be a welcome addition on the perimeter. After losing his starting spot to Eli Apple midseason, the Saints struggled to find snaps for the former Colorado cornerback. With P.J. Williams, Patrick Robinson and rookie C.J. Gardner-Johnson in the fold, Crawley has only tumbled further down the depth chart during training camp.
Crawley has had an odd run during his three seasons in the Big Easy. Originally an undrafted free agent in 2016, he quickly ascended, becoming one of the highest-graded cornerbacks in the league in just his second-season. In 2018, he got off to a slow start, which ultimately prompted the Apple acquisition.
With Trumaine Johnson's Week 1 availability in question, a move will need to be made. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Crawley's physicality and aggressive nature aligns with what defensive coordinator Gregg Williams looks for in his players. If the 26-year-old becomes available, expect the Jets to pounce.
2. Teez Tabor (Detroit Lions)
Selected by the Detroit Lions in the second-round in 2017, Tabor has largely been a disappointment through his first two seasons. Appearing in 22 games (five starts), the 23-year-old has only mustered 42 tackles. Tabor now faces an uphill climb to make the team.
Though he's struggled to see the field in Detroit, it's far too early to discard such a young talent with a prestigious pedigree. Many things factor into a young player's struggles: scheme fit, injuries, confidence, maturity. Perhaps he can become Jets defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson's reclamation project.
3. Duke Dawson (New England Patriots)
Like Tabor, Dawson is also a former second-round talent out of the University of Florida. A preseason hamstring injury landed Dawson on the Patriots' injured reserve list last season.
Though he was activated off injured reserve in November, he spent the remainder of his rookie season as a weekly inactive. Last season's youth movement in the secondary afforded younger Patriots the opportunity to essentially learn on the job. Those players ultimately leap-frogged Dawson on the depth chart, and here we are.
At 23-years old and literally zero tread on his tires, Dawson should generate significant interest if he fails to make the cut in New England. His versatility is also sure to draw significant interest from teams.
Dawson has experience playing both cornerback and safety, and could potentially fill multiple roles in a meager Jets' secondary. A clean slate could be what's best for him. The Jets have the coaching and opportunity in place for him to realize his potential.
