New York Jets 2019: Ranking the 53-man roster — #34 Matthias Farley

It’s time to evaluate this 53-man roster for the New York Jets from top to bottom. Let’s start this daily ranking with #34, safety Matthias Farley.

New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas’ staff has deep roots in the Indianapolis Colts organization, thus explaining the in-season additions of Indianapolis near-misses like cornerback Nate Hairston (ranked #46) and safety Matthias Farley.

The latter, a Charlotte-bred Notre Dame product, is regarded for his locker room presence, his on-field instincts, and his leadership abilities.

The converted wide receiver who went undrafted in 2016, signed a UDFA deal with the Arizona Cardinals. Weeks later, the Colts scooped him up, and after 37 games over three years — much of those games in 2017 replacing the injured Malik Hooker — the Colts tried to sneak Farley through September 1, 2019 waivers. Hours later, he was donning Florham Park green-and-white.

Farley is a versatile secondary force, with abilities at strong safety and in the slot. Indianapolis fell for his big hits forcing fumbles, and his coverage skills. But they just as quickly soured on his knack for giving up big pass plays and his general weaknesses in his tackling game.

With the imminent end in sight of Rontez Miles‘ Jets career, this team desperately needs to fill out this roster with a fourth safety with special teams skills. As a college senior, Farley got awarded Notre Dame special teams player of the year.

Special teams coach Brant Boyer may have finally found his lethal gunner on kick returns. More than once, the Jets diehards have wondered aloud, “Who’s number 41?” Well, now you know.

Farley may never be a Jamal Adams level elite All-Pro. But he has all the tools to become a strong part of a winning culture. Rest assured that Joe Douglas has similar ideas.

Even though this GM will search far and wide for real roster upgrades, Farley offers more upside than some of the New York Jets safeties in recent seasons parading as legitimate NFL talent.

#53 Trumaine Johnson     #52 Ryan Kalil      #51 Kelechi Osemele     #50 Quinnen Williams       #49 Chuma Edoga     #48 Frankie Luvu      #47 Sam Ficken    #46 Nate Hairston     #45 Brandon Shell     #44  Jordan Willis     #43 Vyncint Smith     #42 Kyron Brown     #41 Bilal Powell    #40 Maurice Canady   #39 Darryl Roberts   #38 Harvey Langi   #37 Tom Compton   #36  Trevon Wesco  #35  Daniel Brown