Ranking the top 10 safeties in NY Jets history

8. Erik Coleman, S, NY Jets

Erik Coleman played for the Jets from 2004 to 2007 and was a reliable and steady presence in the secondary. His intelligence, tackling ability, and coverage skills made him a valuable asset to the Jets defense. Coleman's consistency and leadership qualities solidify his place among the top safeties in franchise history.

Coleman, the third consecutive drafted Jet, was selected in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He would play his first four NFL seasons with the team before leaving for Atlanta in free agency.

Coleman played strong safety for the team and was known as an extremely hard hitter, often sprinting into the box to make plays on ball carriers and tight ends. It should be no surprise that in just 63 games (49 starts) with the Jets, Coleman was able to tally 372 tackles, including eight tackles for loss.

To add to his hard-hitting nature, Coleman was also able to add seven interceptions and a fumble recovery in his four seasons with the team, good for causing multiple turnovers per year with the team. He would play another five seasons in the league, finishing with 11 interceptions, 37 passes defended, 652 tackles, and 15 tackles for loss.

7. Jim Hudson, S, NY Jets

Jim Hudson played for the Jets from 1965 to 1970 and was known for his hard-hitting style of play. His physicality and ability to deliver bone-crushing hits made him a feared presence in the secondary. Hudson's leadership and knack for making timely plays earned him a place among the top safeties in Jets' history.

Another player on the list that played his entire career with the Jets, Hudson is also the first Super Bowl winner included on the list. Hudson spent six seasons with the Jets and also earned a second-team All-Pro award in the Super Bowl-winning 1968 season.

Hudson finished his Jets career with 14 interceptions in 54 games, starting 43 of those games. In the 1968 season, by far Hudson's best, he finished with five interceptions and posted a career-high AV (approximate value, as calculated by Pro Football Reference) of 11. In the Super Bowl itself, Hudson intercepted a pass and made three tackles, aiding tremendously in the Jets' victory.

Due to the fact he not only won a Super Bowl with the franchise but also is the first safety on the list to make an All-Pro team, Hudson is more than deserving of the number seven spot on the list.