New York Jets training camp preview: Don't sleep on Lamar Jackson

It is a couple of years after the fact but the New York Jets finally got their Lamar Jackson. This one isn’t a quarterback but one NFL Draft insider still thinks this Jackson can step in and impress.

A cornerback out of Nebraska, Jackson may share the same name as the Baltimore Ravens quarterback but he is hoping to make interceptions, not avoid them. An undrafted rookie free agent, he brings good size and length to a Jets secondary that is short on depth.

Last season as a senior, he tallied 30 tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a sack. It was a bit of a surprise to see him not get taken on Day 3 of the draft.

But there are some questions about his position (some feel his best fit is at safety) and his speed (he ran a 4.58 at the NFL Combine). However, his 4.51 at his Pro Day helped calm concerns about his straightline speed.

At the end of the day, however, Jackson has great film. He performed well in the Big 10.

“The long-term potential of Lamar Jackson pairing with Gregg Williams, carries substance. The lengthy defensive back primarily played cornerback at Nebraska but he is likely to move to safety with New York,” said Ric Serritella, founder of the NFL Draft Bible.

“In addition to his versatility, he could be groomed to help off-set the loss of Jamal Adams, should the team eventually decide to part ways with their franchise talent.”

The backend remains an area of concern for the Jets, who will need to do some upgrading. There have been rumors that the Jets could make a run at Logan Ryan, a free agent cornerback who had a tremendous 2019 for the Tennessee Titans.

This offseason, the Jets signed cornerback Pierre Desir in free agency and took Virginia cornerback Bryce Hall on the fifth round. They also added in the third round Ashtyn Davis, the Cal safety who also played some cornerback in college in certain packages and looks.