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Pro Football Focus is ranking the top 101 players in the NFL from 2019. One Jets player is on their list. Unsurprisingly it is Jamal Adams.
32. S JAMAL ADAMS, NEW YORK JETS
Jamal Adams has become one of the game’s most versatile weapons on defense. In a league that is trending ever more towards matchup problems on offense, Adams is one of a new breed of defender that can solve those problems on defense. This season, Adams spent significant snaps at free safety (297), in the box (401), in the slot (131), lined up out wide as a boundary corner (34) and even on the defensive line as a legitimate edge rusher (96), and he was one of the most effective defenders in the game. As a pass-rusher, he racked up 25 total pressures from 101 rushing snaps, by far the most pressure and the second-most rushing snaps of any safety.
This is a point I make frequently. Positional value does matter in the NFL, but sometimes roles are more important than positions. I don’t think you can really say that Adams is just a safety. He fills numerous roles for the Jets. If the opponent has a matchup problem as a tight end, Jamal can take that guy. If the Jets need to shut down the run game, he can play in the box. When the Jets need a sack, he can blitz effectively.
Any way you slice it, I think this is a premium player. PFF seems to agree.