The additions of linebacker Demario Davis and safety Shamarko Thomas equal blazing speed for Todd Bowles‘ New York Jets defense.
The two transactions Mike Maccagnan pulled off over the last 24-to-36 hours did one explicit thing for Todd Bowles’ New York Jets defense.
He acquired pure speed.
First, odd-man out and safety who can’t cover your grandmother, Calvin Pryor, was traded to the Cleveland Browns for linebacker Demario Davis, the former Jet. Why the Browns would want Pryor when they already have a suspect speed safety in rookie Jabrill Peppers is beyond me. They now have a duo that can lose 40-yard dashes to linebackers, but that’s neither here nor there.
Davis, 28, who played with the Jets from 2012 through 2015, will now add depth to an already thin inside linebacker spot. Though he’s struggled in pass coverage while with New York, he’s a pure speed demon at the position.
Then, on Friday, Mikey Mac signed failed Pittsburgh Steelers safety Shamarko Thomas.
Thomas, 26, was drafted in the fourth round back in 2013 out of Syracuse. He’s another speedster Bowles adds to the defense who’ll not only push for sub-package time, but help the speed and ferocity of the squad’s special teams units.
It’s doubtful either player will start (Davis may push David Harris and/or Darron Lee at times), but the speed element that was added to the depth chart is evident and downright smart.
NFL Draft Combine 40-Yard-Dash Times:
- Demario Davis: 4.61
- Shemarko Thomas: 4.42
Other Jets News, Stories:
- newyorkjets.com has a video showcasing linebacker Jordan Jenkins working out on the field while mic’d up.
- Smackdad of Gang Green Nation ponders whether or not the Jets should target recently cut Jeremy Maclin.
- ESNY’s Paul Esden officially introduces us to the Jets rookies.