New York Jets: What to do with Darrin Walls?

By Paul Newbold | Jul 11, 2015

Darrin Walls returns in 2015 for his fourth year as a member of the New York Jets. Initially signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons, Walls was signed to the Jets’ practice squad in September of 2012. Walls stand 6’0″ tall and weighs in on the lighter side of 190 pounds. Walls saw his first NFL action for the Jets when he was activated in November of 2012.

Walls has been a bit of an enigma for the Jets so far in his career, a talented player who has played well through stretches, but has disappeared at times as well. The one thing you have to like about Walls is the development he’s shown since entering the league though. In 2011, Walls appeared in 5 games for the Falcons, posting two pass defenses and his first career interception.

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Walls spent much of 2o12 season on the Jets’ practice squad before being activated in November. Walls appeared in six games for the Jets in 2012, posting 2 tackles and a pass defense. In 2013, Walls got his first big chance to contribute for the Jets. He responded by appearing in all 16 games for the team, posting 21 tackles, 18 solo and 4 pass defenses. Walls showed he could definitely play at the NFL level.

He actually was a one of the few highlights of a decimated Jets’ defensive secondary of last year. He played in 14 games while posting 40 tackles, all of which were of the solo variety. He added a pair of interceptions and 11 pass defenses to his 2014 stats.

Walls struggled at times in 2014, but to his credit, former head coach Rex Ryan bounced him all around the field trying to fill the holes. Walls was beaten deep several times last year, but with poor over the top safety help and a struggling cornerback corps surrounding him, Walls could hardly be faulted.

At this very moment, Walls comes into 2015 penciled in as a back up to Darrelle Revis according to many Jet pundits. While his development has been encouraging over the last two seasons, Walls will need to fight for his time on the football field it would seem in 2015.

Walls returns this year to join a very crowded and talented group of corners on the roster heading into training camp this summer. Seen by many as the best cornerback on the roster last season, Walls will need to define his role in Todd Bowles‘ new defensive schemes.

Walls signed a two-year, $1.9 million dollar extension with the Jets last season. He becomes a restricted free agent at the end of 2015 and then would become an unrestricted free agent at the end of 2016 if he remains with the club. Walls is now 27 years old, and in a very talented secondary, it’s hard to determine his future with the franchise.

The Jets have a group of very talented veterans ahead of him, but Walls is also being followed by a young cornerback group as well. He is projected to get his fair share of playing time this year, but he will need to earn that time.

Jul 25, 2013; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets cornerback Darrin Walls (30) during training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

Walls will face some up and coming talent this year in camp with Marcus Williams, Dexter McDougle and Dee Milliner all vying for time on the field. His role in this defense won’t be fully realized until camp provides a few more answers.

I like Walls, he’s obviously worked hard to hone his craft since arriving on the scene in 2012. He’s steadily improved in coverage and is a willing tackler in the secondary. I fully expect to see Bowles bounce him around the field this summer in an attempt to find the right fit for him. It may be a bit of a stretch, but a case could be made to try to utilize him as a safety as well. Either way, he is one player fans should keep an eye on this summer.

There’s what to expect out of him in a nutshell. He’s a talented cornerback who will be seeking to find a spot this summer. How do you see Walls contributing this summer? Is there an outside chance he could fail to make the final roster? Is this the season Walls puts it all together? We here at The Jet Press value your opinion so please, leave us a comment and Let’s Talk Jet Football!!

Next: New York Jets 2015 Training Camp Profile: Jonathon Rumph

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