Lito Sheppard Becomes a New York Jet

ESPN has reported that New York Jets have  acquired Lito Sheppard from the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2009 fifth round pick, and a conditional 2010 pick—which could be as high as a second rounder, but as low as a fourth.

This is an amazing steal for the Jets!

Last year, the Jets were 28th in pass defense, and needed a shut down corner along side Darrelle Revis to keep the other side from being exposed in games such as the Patriots and the Broncos.

This two-time All Pro member will definitely help us out in that category.

Let's look at some stats and upsides to Sheppard:

He is a two-time Pro Bowler who has struggled with injuries the past few years. Sheppard can align both inside in the slot, and outside at corner.

He has good underneath cover skills when matched up in man-to-man situations. Sheppard can get his hands on receivers, and turn with good route awareness, while playing with his back to the quarterback. 

He has soft hands, very good ball skills, and can be a big-time threat with the ball is in his hands in open space.

Signing Bart Scott, and now doing this, is amazing.

The Jets could potentially be one of the best defenses in the league in 2009. Last year, their defense was seventh in the league, allowing only 95-yards a game.

Now that Rex Ryan has pulled off this acquisition—along with Scott—I am going to hang a poster up and hail him everyday.

-Cole