JETS COUNTRY DRAFT SERIES: Plugging a Hole at Safety

The 2023 NFL Draft class offers attractive safety prospects with Day 2 and Day 3 grades

The New York Jets’ 2022 starting free safety remains unsigned.

It doesn’t appear Gang Green has interest in bringing Lamarcus Joyner back into the fold, but that creates a void in the safeties’ room.

Tony Adams, an undrafted free agent last year, is the lone true free safety on the Jets’ roster, although recently-acquired strong safety Chuck Clark can play both positions.

Thumper Jordan Whitehead started all 17 games for Gang Green in 2022, but he enters the last year of his contract.

Adding a safety is likely high on management’s draft to-do list. Here are some prospects for Joe Douglas and Co. to consider...

Sidney Brown, Illinois

Ht: 5100 | Wt: 213 | Hand: 1028 | Arm: 3148 | Wing: 7518 | 40: 4.47 

The five-year starter punctuated his Illinois career with 2022 USA Today All-America honors. In 12 games at safety, he accounted for 59 stops, a Big Ten Conference-leading six interceptions and seven pass break-ups. 

Brown went to the Reese’s Senior Bowl, where he was tabbed National Team Practice Player of the Week by the Draft Network. The Canadian-born defensive back logged 10 picks and four forced fumbles in 51 career appearances.

NFL DB Excerpt: “A ball-hawking defensive back, Brown is a deceptive, hard-hitting strong safety. His experience, athleticism and smarts make him such a valuable commodity.”

Illinois S Sydney Brown at the 2023 NFL Combine / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M

Ht: 6020 | Wt: 198 | Hand: 0968 | Arm: 3218 | 40: 4.52 

The 6-foot-2 junior made 21 starts over the past two seasons, collecting back-to-back All-Southeastern Conference selections in the process. Johnson totaled 71 stops in nine games last fall, forcing a fumble each of the last three weeks.

The lengthy defender started at nickel as a freshman (2020) in the Aggies’ Orange Bowl win over North Carolina. He showed 4.52 speed in the 40-yard dash, with a 1.57-second 10-yard split at the NFL Combine. 

NFL DB Excerpt: “He can navigate the open field like a centerfielder or step up in the box like a linebacker. Functional athlete with adequate speed and fluidity. He possesses a combination of length, natural instincts and position flexibility that could make him an immediate impact player.”

JL Skinner, Boise State

Ht: 6040 | Wt: 209 | Hand: 0828 | Arm: 3200 | Wing: 7778 | 40: 4.44e

The two-time All- Mountain West Conference honoree made 24 starts for Boise State over the past two seasons. The 6-foot-4 Skinner accounted for 65 stops, four interceptions and five pass breakups in 12 games as a senior.

The big-bodied safety had a good week at the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, but did not subsequently participate in the NFL Combine. He projects as a Day 2 pick.

NFL DB Excerpt: “The first thing that stands out on Skinner’s film is how big he is. He has an excellent frame, with very good weight for his size. For a bigger safety, Skinner has a great blend of fluidity and speed that allows him to play at all three levels of the field. His range was fantastic.”

Tough news Boise State’s J.L. Skinner won’t participate at Combine.

Good news is NFL has @seniorbowl data.

Last year Boise WR Khalil Shakir hit 19.18 mph in Mobile and ran 4.43 at Combine.

Last month @JlJlskinner hit 19.17 mph.

NFL teams know he can run. Still goes on Day 2. pic.twitter.com/tacOkCFa6Q

— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) February 27, 2023

Marte Mapu, Sacramento State

Ht: 6025 |Wt: 217 | Hand: 0938 | Arm: 3338 | Wing: 8000 | 40: 4.60e

The 2022 Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year was one of the top performers in the NCAA DI Football Championship Subdivision, helping the Sac State Hornets break into the National Top 5. Mapu, a safety-linebacker hybrid, made multiple tackles in every game en-route to multiple All-America First Team selections last fall.

The 6-foot-2 Mapu, who finished fifth overall in the 2022 Stats Perform Buck Buchanan Award voting, accounted for 76 combined tackles, 6.5 tackles-for-loss and six passes defensed in 13 games.

The “small-school” prospect made a name for himself at the NFLPA Bowl in Pasadena and earned a subsequent call up to the Reese’s Senior Bowl.

NFL DB Excerpt: “One of the biggest draft risers during the draft season until an injury at his pro day workout, Mapu is fast, physical and flies to the football. Mapu demonstrates fundamentally sound technique, is an excellent tackler and crisp in pass coverage.”

Marte Mapu is one of my favorite players in the draft. He didn’t get a combine invite & he’s been navigating an injury. If he falls because of it, some team is going to get a STEAL. He can really run & cover. He’s a playmaker. pic.twitter.com/PD0tDwg0AI

— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) April 24, 2023

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