The New York Jets added quality depth to their safety situation by signing J.J. Wilcox on the news of Rontez Miles missing a few months due to surgery. Here’s a breakdown of what Wilcox brings to the table.
Unfortunately for special teams ace Rontez Miles, he’ll be missing about three months due to having knee surgery. Before that news broke out, the New York Jets signed safety J.J. Wilcox to replace Miles for now and also bring some quality depth to the safety position.
Wilcox brings a lot to the table as not only does he do well on special teams but has a plethora of starting experience in his five-year career so far in the NFL. Mostly known for his time spent with the Dallas Cowboys, Wilcox is a solid safety who specializes in smart tackling, tipping passes, and creating big turnovers.
In his career, Wilcox has two forced fumbles and six interceptions. Not only should he fit in well on the Jets secondary in a rotational role, but could have as much if not more of an impact on special teams like Miles.
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Ideally, the Jets now have quality depth at safety behind starters Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye in Wilcox. His addition to the Jets defensive secondary bodes well for it to be a strength of the team this upcoming season.
Hopefully, Wilcox comes in and takes care of business every time his number is called. It’s expected that Wilcox will spend the majority of his playing time this upcoming season on special teams and then in certain defensive situations.
Head coach Todd Bowles love versatile safeties as Wilcox is the kind of prototypical defensive back that should find his role rather quickly and do well in it. By the looks of it, the Jets made a smart move here in acquiring Wilcox to not only replace Miles but to be a potential key contributor in 2018.