NY Jets: 4 veterans who could surprise in training camp

3. Lamarcus Joyner, S, NY Jets

The Jets made a number of high-profile signings in free agency this offseason. From Carl Lawson to Corey Davis, the Jets made sure to bolster both sides of the ball.

But one under-the-radar signing that has a chance to make a serious impact in 2021 is Lamarcus Joyner.

The Jets signed the 30-year-old Joyner with the plan to move him back to his natural safety position after a pair of very difficult years playing nickel cornerback with the Raiders.

Joyner was miscast as a slot cornerback as the Raiders defensive staff stubbornly stuck to their original plan instead of allowing the veteran defensive back to play the position he primarily played in the past.

In fact, the last time we saw Joyner as a safety he was arguably one of the better players at his position. While playing with the Los Angeles Rams, Joyner earned an elite 90.9 Pro Football Focus grade in 2017 that ranked second among all safeties in football.

Compare that to his 47.5 and 53.8 PFF grades in 2019 and 2020 respectively and it's easy to see why the Jets want him to move back to safety.

With Marcus Maye and Ashtyn Davis sidelined to begin camp, Joyner has a chance to make a strong first impression on the new coaching staff.