New York Jets Draft Result: Ashtyn Davis

What does Ashtyn Davis mean for the New York Jets? The defensive players for Gang Green from this draft should be a positive sign for fans, and a dream come true for defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.

Jamal Adams is the best safety in the NFL right now, period. Marcus Maye shows flashes of high performance. Needing depth at corner, why would Joe Douglas draft someone like Cal’s Ashtyn Davis; another do-it-all defensive back for the Jets defense?

The game of football is changing. For those who grew up with Curtis Martin or Joe Namath, football looks very different than even two decades ago.

The stats are there- this is a pass-first league. New coaches are being brought in for revolutionary air raid offenses. And despite all of that, successful teams are still able to run the ball effectively. So if you commit to the pass with 6 corners running Cover 4, running teams will gash you. If you commit to the run with a base 4-3 running, young quarterbacks will drop 500 yards for 40 points on your head.

The signing of Ashtyn Davis, who’s played several positions at Cal, should lead Jet fans to believe Gregg Williams is pioneering a new age defensive scheme.

The Change

One year ago, the Los Angeles Chargers controlled Lamar Jackson, one of the most prolific offensive weapons in the League today, in a 23-17 win over the Baltimore Ravens. They played extra safeties instead of linebackers to control Jackson, and held him to 54 yards on 9 carries.

That defensive scheme got tossed into the back of the playbook. But perhaps the refreshed New Jack City is looking at it again. Expect Gregg Williams, one of the better defensive coordinators in the league to play unusual packages. Versatile players like All-Pro Safety Jamal Adams, and now newly-acquired Davis allow the Jets to play with a certain flexibility without showing a tell.

Defensive backs who have the skill set to play high, as well as into the box or on the edge can create a nightmare for offensive coordinators who can’t pick up exactly who’s doing what. That organized chaos just might elevate the Jets defense this coming season.