Safe to say Green rookie pair works
THE JETS used their first two draft picks on safeties, and both rookies will be making an immediate impact this season.
No. 6 overall pick Jamal Adams and second-rounder Marcus Maye have been working in tandem as the Jets’ starting safeties through the first two practices of training camp.
Todd Bowles noted how “rare” it is for two rookies to come in and lock down first-team spots, but the coach said Maye and Adams earned those roles by learning the playbook quickly during spring practices.
“They can play,” Bowles said. “(These) two guys showed so much in the spring and what we brought them along with, they can only get better. Their maturity level as far as learning the plays exceeded what we wanted or our expectations (for) a rookie. So we think those guys are ready to play.”
Maye and Adams established a relationship while both played in the SEC in college — Maye at Florida and Adams at LSU. They exchanged text messages frequently.
But now that friendship is growing. Adams and Maye are rooming together. And the bond has taken on a new level of importance, with Bowles and the rest of his defensive staff relying on the youngsters in crucial positions.
“Me and Marcus, we have a phenomenal opportunity,” Adams said. “We’re back there working together, running with the ones, and so we’re just trying to take advantage of every opportunity.”
After releasing cornerback Darrelle Revis and linebacker David Harris this offseason, the Jets are featuring a number of young players on defense. Darron Lee will be asked to take a step forward this season in Harris’ absence, while cornerback Juston Burris could see an enhanced role in his second year.
Nonetheless, Bowles — who was hired by Gang Green as a defensive mastermind — is anticipating a dominant season from his unit.