Eric Smith as Starter?

by John B on Mar 7, 2010 10:18 AM EST

The Jets need to replace Kerry Rhodes at free safety. One obvious candidate is Eric Smith. Smith started a few games during Rhodes' midseason benching and led the team in tackles in one of them. It seemed like Eric might be finished as a Jet when Jim Leonhard and Abram Elam got signed a year ago. Then the Mark Sanchez trade sent Elam to Cleveland, and Smith became the primary backup at safety. Rex was at first underwhelmed by the Michigan State product during offseason workouts. Later Smith played so well his head coach stunningly compared him to Ed Reed.

I'd say the team will probably keep the restricted free agent, but I'd be surprised to see him as a starter. He found his niche working in crowded space underneath, blitzing, and playing the run. He struggled when he had to play more athletic backs and tight ends in the open. He's not very quick or atheltic. He doesn't have the range to really play effectively in Cover 1 looks. If the Jets made him the starter, it would be a giant leap of faith Antonio Cromartie is going to bounce back to his 2007 form, and the corners will need limited safety help. While that's a possibility, I wouldn't bet the ranch on it.

The other option would be to have Smith play Jim Leonhard's role, more in the box, as a blitzter, etc. Leonhard could play Rhodes' centerfield role. The problem is the team would be downgrading in two positions. I see Smith as a useful cog in the right role in subpackages. I don't think I'd be comfortable with him starting, though.

How about you?

Poll

Would you be comfortable with Eric Smith starting at safety?

Yes

100 votes

No

219 votes

319 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 12 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

tremendously uncomfortable

leave it to the jets to take a step forward and then two steps back.. fourth round draft pick for a probowl caliber safety? my ass

by Jon F on Mar 7, 2010 10:32 AM EST reply actions

I’m sure they’re going to get somebody in here, otherwise this trade makes no sense. It’s kind of like the Phillies getting Roy Halladay and then trading Cliff Lee. How much do you improve when you both acquire and trade a number one starter in the same deal? The Jets strengthened themselves with Cromartie, and then equally weakened themselves by trading Kerry Rhodes. Tanny has a plan, and since the season doesn’t start tomorrow, let’s wait to see him implement it.

No Edgar, it's not your fault, it's the fault of the idiot that plays you

by rxmeister on Mar 7, 2010 10:37 AM EST up reply actions

I agree

I’m sure Mr T has some sort of plan in the works or else he never would have traded Rhodes. I’m sure both he and Rex discussed what they would do if someone made a decent offer for Rhodes. I highly doubt Smith was in that conversation as being the starter. Something tells me they have their sights set on Dawan Landry.

by chrebetsthebet on Mar 7, 2010 10:48 AM EST up reply actions

maybe if were lucky we can get someone that makes the team with that 4th round pick.

by joey d on Mar 7, 2010 10:33 AM EST reply actions

Good Deal

I believe that that Rex and Tanny were really on the fence on whether to release Rhodes outright. When the picks were offered, they probably didn’t hesitate. Also, some of the salary savings might be used to resign TJ.

by RevisIslander on Mar 7, 2010 11:15 AM EST reply actions

I’d rather have an overachieving Eric Smith over an underachieving Kerry Rhodes. But yes, it’s still early.

and the home of the... JETS!!!
www.ganggreennation.com

by dvdvil on Mar 7, 2010 11:19 AM EST reply actions

You know I’m a fan of Eric Smith, he plays the game the right way, you never hear about him but he works hard and he is better than most give him credit for, but as a full time free safety? I’m not all that confident in that. I think we will be hosting some visits for some free safeties over the coming days, and I don’t think we will have to rely all that much on Smith next year. In fact as much as I like the guy, I’m still hoping that some team wants to give us a third rounder for him.

Writer/Assistant editor
Eternal optimist
New York Jets
Gang Green Nation
www.ganggreennation.com

by David_Wyatt on Mar 7, 2010 11:32 AM EST reply actions

I hope theres a plan in place. As much as i like the guy, Eric is not the answer.

Curtis "my favorite" Martin - 1 of the best!

by jcgamble on Mar 7, 2010 11:50 AM EST reply actions

And it's not like we can really improve the safety position in the draft.

Only one player in the draft that was better than Rhodes and that’s Berry, Mays has so much upside but is not worth the risk.

by Jerrad p on Mar 7, 2010 1:18 PM EST reply actions

If we were to put Leonard at FS (bad idea IMO), then i’d be more open to drafting Mays to play SS. I think Mays would be a monster SS in our system. Gotta feeling that playing the run and blitzing would be strengths of his. Just the thought of him blitzing alone is scary.

by Crackback on Mar 7, 2010 3:04 PM EST reply actions

I’m okay with it. It’s not what I would prefer because of his limitations, but against most teams, I’m not worrying too much.

by random122 on Mar 7, 2010 4:47 PM EST reply actions

My suspicion

Unless the Jets take a free agent safety (and the pickings are slim this year, because the big-namers Sharper and Bethea ,in my opinion, are not going anywhere) I think the second round pick is going to be earmarked for a safety. This year’s draft class is deep and I think that Rex, rather than having players battle it out for a starting job, prefers to use multiple situational players.

by Rabbit T on Mar 8, 2010 1:06 AM EST reply actions