5 NY Jets playing with a chip on their shoulder this season

2. D.J. Reed, CB, NY Jets

Another member of the 2019 San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl defense, D.J. Reed was yet another late draft pick (fifth round) who came into the league with a chip on his shoulder from Day 1.

Unlike the other late-round picks on this list, Robinson and Alexander, Reed wasn't able to show out and produce from day one to showcase his skills.

In fact, he didn't even become a full-time starter until last year with the Seattle Seahawks. He did, however, make the most of his opportunity by putting up some of the most impressive stats in the league at his position.

His breakout season went largely unnoticed by pretty much everyone in the league besides the defensive coordinator who originally drafted him (Robert Saleh).

The answer to this question pretty much tells you all you need to know about Reed's mindset coming into the locker room. As a result, he's been one of the most vocal and influential leaders in the entire locker room.

At just 25 years old, he is routinely seen in the huddle pumping his teammates up with his speeches and inspiring their terrific play with his words of wisdom.

As he prophetically states in the above clip as well, he absolutely did take a step forward this year. At 5-foot-9, they see him as a CB2, but he has been matching up with Courtland Sutton, Stefon Diggs, and Ja'Marr Chase, holding his own and them some.

While quarterbacks have been trying Sauce Gardner, Reed has been a blanket that doesn't get targeted as much — a mark of a cornerback who's finally earning respect with his chippy play.