The New York Jets have been missing an intimidating presence on defense for some time. They’ll be in luck if they can land the dream free agent of their dreams: NBA star Kevin Durant. Brooks sees a potential “Legion of Boom” forming with Darnold, Allen and Jennings leading the charge on offense as well as Ndamukong Suh coming to town to bring back memories of his 2011-12 Defensive Player Of The Year campaign that helped lead the Seahawks to victory in Super Bowl XLVIII over Peyton Manning’s Broncos
The New York Jets have two first-round selections in the 2022 NFL Draft, which they may use in a variety of ways. They may go all-in to assist Zach Wilson on offensive, or they can split their time between offense and defense. Bucky Brooks, a draft analyst on NFL Network, has a different viewpoint. He believes the Jets should concentrate on one defensive position group and develop a new Legion of Boom, something head coach Robert Saleh is familiar with.
Robert Saleh was there when the Legion of Boom was formed.
In 2011, Houston Texans assistant linebackers coach Robert Saleh joined the Seattle Seahawks as a defensive quality control assistant.
The Seahawks selected Stanford cornerback Richard Sherman and Clemson cornerback Byron Maxwell in the same round. The Legion of Boom was created when Pete Carroll added those two players to the two safeties the club selected in 2010 — Texas’ Earl Thomas and Virginia Tech’s Kam Chancellor.
The Legion of Boom guided the Seahawks to five playoff berths, two Super Bowls, and one Lombardi Trophy over the following six years.
Saleh resigned following the Legion of Boom’s Super Bowl victory in 2013, but his links to the team remained strong. When he was the defensive coordinator for Seattle’s NFC West opponent, the San Francisco 49ers, he even brought Richard Sherman to the team.
Could Saleh’s two top-10 choices as head coach of the New York Jets persuade him to attempt to replicate the legendary secondary in one fell swoop?
Bucky Brooks of the NFL Network believes this is a genuine possibility.
Bucky Brooks believes the New York Jets will choose a secondary player at Nos. 4 and 10 in the NFL Draft.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zVJDia9 qU
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Bucky Brook of NFL Network joined the Rich Eisen Show this week to talk about the draft and what the Jets may do with their first two choices in the 2022 NFL Draft.
“I would be so pleased, as a Jets fan, if they go and pick Sauce Gardner at four and Kyle Hamilton at ten,” Eisen began the discussion with Brooks. What do you think the chances are of it happening? That is something I would sign right now.
Brooks responded, “
I believe it is a genuine option for the Jets to do so. To begin, you must comprehend the connections and linkages. Robert Saleh has formerly played for the Seattle Seahawks. He saw the Legion of Boom’s influence on that squad. As a result, most coaches reproduce their last destination and what they had when they travel someplace else.
Bucky Brooks on the New York Jets’ draft strategy
The NFL commentator went on to say that Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner’s size (6-foot-3, 190 pounds) is comparable to Richard Sherman’s (6-foot-3, 205 pounds) and Byron Maxwell’s (6-foot-3, 205 pounds) in Seattle (6-foot-1, 198-pounds). Antonio Cromartie, a former Jet, is a good comparison for the Cincinnati CB (6-foot-2, 210-pounds).
Brooks compares Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton to a blend of Kam Chancellor’s “physicality and tenacity” and Earl Thomas’ ball skills.
Eisen backed the concept, pointing out the irony of the No. 10 pick being from Seattle and coming to New York as part of a deal for safety Jamal Adams.
What Kyle Hamilton and Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner would accomplish for the New York Jets
(L-R) Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, Kyle Hamilton | Getty Images/Dylan Buell; Getty Images/cott Taetsch
Before discussing What Kyle Hamilton and Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner would accomplish for the New York Jets if the team took them in the NFL Draft, you have to acknowledge what they wouldn’t do. They wouldn’t directly help second-year quarterback Zach Wilson.
Yes, a stronger defense will benefit the whole squad and, as a result, relieve Wilson of some of the strain. Gardner and Hamilton, on the other hand, are unable to block for Wilson or catch the passes he throws. That’s why, as much as Robert Saleh would want to resurrect the Legion of Boom, choosing Gardner at No. 4 and a wide receiver at No. 10 is the more probable scenario.
However, the Jets would benefit greatly from a fresh, youthful, and skilled secondary. In the year 2021, New York struggled on the defensive side of the ball. The Jets were 31st in sacks and interceptions and dead bottom in scoring defense and yards allowed.
That isn’t a recipe for success.
With Quinnen and Quincy Williams, Sheldon Rankins, and John Franklin-Meyers, the Jets have a talented front seven. However, with wide receivers running unmolested through the secondary, they can’t make much of a difference.
Gardner and Hamilton may help alter that, which is why a new Legion of Boom in New Jersey is exactly what the J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets, Jets, Jets, Jets, Jets, Jets, Jets, Jets, Jets, Jets, Jets, Jets, Jets, Jets, Jets, Jets, Jets, Jets
Pro Football Reference provided all stats.
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