By Glenn Naughton
One day after choosing LSU Safety Jamal Adams with the 6th pick in round 1, the Jets took another safety with the 39th overall pick in Marcus Maye out of the University of Florida.
Checking in at 6′ 210 lbs, Maye, like Adams, is a versatile defender who can play both free or strong safety according to NFL.com which concludes:
Interchangeable safety with the instincts of a free safety and the physicality of a box player. Thrives as a downhill player and has the instincts and speed to operate effectively from both single-high and two-deep looks. Has the physical attributes and intelligence to step into a starter’s role early on and will be a strong contributor on special teams.
Optimum scouting rated Maye as their 10th ranked safety, but in a deep class was still classified as a player with “great NFL skill” level and projected him as a 3rd round selection.
CBS Sports spoke highly of Maye, but questioned the wisdom of the pick:
Maye was a standout performer in a dominant Florida defense, and at the Florida pro day he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.47 seconds while showing sound agility numbers. It’s a strange pick after the Jets took safety Jamal Adams in the first round.
The Jets next pick will be number 70 overall at the top of round 3.