Could Jets Have Top-3 CB Tandem in 2018?

And despite the graphic, Claiborne allowed a passer rating of only 61.2 on 46 targets in his first 10 games, according to PFF. A foot injury midway through the season then caused him to miss one game, and another ailing injury affected his play over the final month. He allowed a passer rating of 91.3 in the final five games.

Joining him this year is the now 2nd-highest paid corner in the league in Trumaine Johnson. And he’s paid that much because, well you guessed it, he’s good.

In 15 starts last year, Johnson recorded 65 tackles, 14 passes defensed and two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. However, Johnson struggled in coverage against the likes of Pierre Garcon and DeAndre Hopkins at times, but in all, it was an above-average year for him.

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But digging into the stats a bit more reveals why he got such a nice pay-day. As one of the biggest, most physical corners in the NFL, Johnson is at his best when he can get his hands on receivers at the line of scrimmage – or in press-man. In fact, Johnson was the league’s best press-man CB in 2017:

A little sneak peak of the Rams' section of my coverage book. Trumaine Johnson finished #1 in press-man effectiveness with an 84% "in position" rate. He allowed just 43 yards all season in press. pic.twitter.com/2DjYDC3mFC

— Ian Wharton (@NFLFilmStudy) February 4, 2018

The Combination

If you look at it closely, the Jets could have a threating CB duo on their hands. With Johnson likely taking on the responsibilities of opposing No.1 receivers, Clairborne should be able to be more a ball hawk against a team’s No.2.

But it won’t come into formation right off the bat. Claiborne needs to prove he can shake the injury bug and minimize flags called his way (penalized 10 times last season). And Johnson needs to be able to increase effectiveness out of the press-man coverage.

All-in-all, the Jets very well could have a top-3 CB duo in 2018. Competition will include that of Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye in Jacksonville, and Jason Verrett and Casey Hayward in Los Angeles (Chargers). Not to mention Johnson’s former team regrouped their loss by adding both Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters.

The reality is that it will likely be a rocky start for the Jets CB tandem, who try and work out their flaws with support from Adams and Maye. If injury can be avoided, and penalties limited, who says the Jets couldn’t have a top-3 CB duo in 2018?

– Kyle Hirshkind is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Jets and covers the New York Jets. Like and follow on Follow @kylehirshkind Follow @FPC_Jets