While the Jets release of Will Parks won’t exactly send shockwaves through the NFL, the departure of the veteran safety could mean that the Jets are happy with what they’ve seen from undrafted free agents Tony Adams, Marquis Waters and Trey Dean. Adams, a 2022 UDFA out of Illinois saw action late last season after stealing a roster spot out of camp while both Dean and Waters hope to do the same this season.
With so little depth behind Jordan Whitehead and Chuck Clark, there are clearly some roster spots up for grabs and Waters and Dean are among those UDFA’s who already have a shot to stick. Parks’ departure only helps their chances.
An ultra-versatile defender out of Texas Tech after transferring from Duke, Waters is a guy who can do a bit of everything. During his college career, he spent a decent chunk of time at safety, inside linebacker, outside linebacker and slot corner. He also saw a handful of reps on the boundary. And as one might suspect from his time at linebacker, Waters won’t hesitate to stick his face in the fan when the time calls for it.
Meanwhile, Dean was viewed as a draftable prospect last season but opted to return to the University of Florida before injuries led to a poor showing at the NFL combine which had him on the outside looking in come draft time. Dean was one player we covered on this episode of JetNation Radio with Gators writer Scott Carter.
We wouldn’t be surprised of Adams not only makes the roster but ends up playing a significant role on defense in 2023. Meanwhile, Davis had better be looking over his shoulder with both Waters and Dean gunning for a roster spot.