Top 3 reasons Jamal Adams will shine in 2017

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Jamal Adams (LSU) is selected as the number 6 overall pick to the New York Jets in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Safety Jamal Adams will shine in 2017 with the New York Jets. Here are three reasons why.

When safety Jamal Adams fell to the New York Jets in the 2017 NFL Draft, they knew they had a gem. They really had no choice but to select him, given how bad the secondary was last season. There was no doubt they had to target pieces for their secondary, and they did.

Adams is ready to take on many roles on and off the field, despite being a rookie. Youth doesn’t deter someone of his character and ability to step in right away and make an impact. The Jets actually need Adams to be at his best in order to be successful in 2017. There’s no doubt he can.

By the looks of it, the Jets will put Adams in a situation to thrive. He should be able to play safety efficiently and have an easy transition into the NFL due to how talented he is.

Let’s look at the top three reasons why Adams will impress many this upcoming season and finally bring some respect to a secondary that was in dire need of talent.

Next: 3. Run stopper

Dec 31, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Louisville Cardinals wide receiver James Quick (17) catches the ball as LSU Tigers safety Jamal Adams (33) defends during the first quarter at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

3. Run stopper

The Jets secondary was a mess, and it led to a trickle-down effect on the entire defense. Enter Jamal Adams.

He can step in the box and stop the run. He’s a down-hill and aggressive safety who will stop at nothing to get to the ball.

His aggressiveness could lead to biting on play action, but it’s better to be aggressive than passive. To have such aggressiveness will be just what the Jets need.

Adams had 16 non-sack tackles for loss and two forced fumbles at LSU. He will set the tone in the running game.

Next: 2. Pass coverage

Nov 5, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers safety Jamal Adams (33) celebrates after intercepting a pass from Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (not pictured) during the first quarter at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

2. Pass coverage

After having 18 interceptions in 2015, the Jets only had eight in 2016. Adams had five career interceptions at LSU.

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However, Adams ability isn’t just in forcing turnovers. He understands many route combinations, being a former high school running back.

With his size and speed, he won’t be a liability in coverage against either running backs or tight ends. Teams will also become reluctant to run screen plays because Adams will close on them quickly.

His coverage ability will also help the front seven. They will have more time to get to the quarterback because receivers won’t be open as quickly.

Next: 1. Leadership

1. Leadership

Scouts raved about Adams’s leadership. His leadership was clear from the beginning at LSU.

His NFL.com draft profile said the following:

Natural-born leader of men. Should be a commanding presence in the locker room early on and his do-as-I-do play demeanor could be the catalyst for turning a struggling defense around quickly.

The Jets locker room was a disaster all season long in 2016. There was no leadership and the locker room was out of control.

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Adams will step in right away and take control of the locker room. His demeanor on the field will also set a tone that will permeate the team. Leadership is huge in the NFL as Adams will be a great addition to a locker room that needs it.