2010 New York Jets Defensive Geography: Secondary Edition

The New York Jets had a stellar, if not amazing defense last year. This year should be no different. With key acquisitions, the defense only got better this offseason.

I was a Jets fan for one reason: Jim Leonhard. He is from a town really close to me, and I met him at a basketball game. Gotta cheer for the hometown guy.

The Jets took the defense last year to the top in every category except rush yards allowed. This season they should only get better.

In this slideshow, I'll put a humorous twist on the secondary and give everyone a nickname i.e. Revis Island.

The Jets by all means could be on their way to the Super Bowl, and I would enjoy watching them get there.

One promising piece is Kyle Wilson, CB out of Boise State.

As the first round of the NFL’s 75th draft progressed, Rex Ryan became a cheerleader. Wilson was slipping, and Ryan looked at the board and said, “Hang in there.”

When the Jets went on the clock with the 29th overall selection, Wilson had indeed hung around and was still available. General manager Mike Tannenbaum answered calls from teams that wanted to move up into the Jets’ slot, but Mr. T said Ryan was “breathing down his neck” and pushed him to put Wilson’s name on the card.

“In this case the board and the need aligned,” Tannenbaum said. “From our perspective, that’s the dream scenario where what you feel like is the most pressing need for your team and the best player pick align.”

The 5’10”, 194-pound Wilson, a Piscataway, N.J., native, was a two-time Boise State captain who had 11 interceptions and averaged 12.6 yards a punt return during his collegiate career.

Revis Island

It's called Revis Island for a reason. Darrelle Revis has started all 32 games in his career and has recorded 150 tackles, one sack, eight interceptions, one touchdown, 28 passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.

He earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2008 after finishing the season with 59 tackles, five interceptions, 15 passes defensed, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries, as well as his first career sack and first career interception return for touchdown.

I wouldn't want to throw that way either.

Cromartie Cave

Antonio Cromartie was acquired by the Jets on March 5, 2010. Some off-field issues forced him out of San Diego, but he will get a fresh start in the Big Apple. He was brought in to start across from Revis Island.

He should get a lot of passes his direction, but those should turn into a lot of interceptions. Cromartie has 15 interceptions entering his fifth season. He is an absolute ball hawk.

When a pass comes his way, it should disappear into his hands like a rock dropped into a cave.

Leonhard Mountain

The small-town guy is hitting it big-time in the Big Apple. It's cool to see a guy from a town of just over 1,000 people have success in the NFL.

He is quite the force even though he is only 5'8".

A veteran of 54 NFL games with 20 starts, Jim Leonhard recorded 144 tackles, one sack, three interceptions, nine passes defensed, and one touchdown, which he scored on a 35-yard interception return at Cincinnati.

Trying to get past Leonhard is like trying to climb Mount Everest—it's going to be a long and tough journey.

Whirl-Pool

Possibly the weakest link in the secondary, but not much of a letdown from Kerry Rhodes, who was traded to Arizona.

Most likely to start across from Leonhard for the Jets unless someone steps up.

Should be a solid contributor to the Jets defense.

Wilson's Rock

Now, Wilson may not start, but he will be a valuable backup. He also brings a lot of excitement to the return game.

Rated as the second best cornerback in this year's draft, Wilson got drafted into the best situation. He can learn behind one of the best corners in the business.

Let's just say that Cromartie and Revis will have a backup that's as solid as a rock.