Jets 2022 Position Breakdown: Who will step up to start alongside Jordan Whitehead?

Jets have plenty of young options so competition for roles should be strong

5/30/2022, 5:00 PM
Ashtyn Davis and Jordan Whitehead / USA TODAY Sports/SNY Treated Image
Ashtyn Davis and Jordan Whitehead / USA TODAY Sports/SNY Treated Image

Heading into the 2022 season, the Jets have made a series of moves to improve the state of their roster and overall depth, but are they ready to compete for a playoff spot?

In this series, we’ll break down the depth chart for every Jets position group. This time, we’ll go in-depth on the safeties…


Projected depth chart

Starters: Jordan Whitehead, Lamarcus Joyner

Backups: Jason Pinnock, Ashtyn Davis, Elijah Riley, Will Parks, Kai Nacua, Jovante Moffat, Tony Adams

Key additions/losses: Signed Whitehead, re-signed Joyner, allowed Marcus Maye to leave in free agency

Top Performer in 2021: Davis – 62 tackles, three forced fumbles, three passes defensed, two interceptions, 0.5 sacks

Top 2021 ranking via PFF: Whitehead (in Tampa Bay) – 28th.

What Jets’ safeties have going for them

The safety group has been overhauled by the Jets over the last few seasons, with Maye’s departure meaning the Jets need someone to step up as a leader. Whitehead, who is still only 25, was brought in on a significant two-year deal. He is a difference maker against the run, but also showcases athleticism in coverage and brings championship experience having won a Super Bowl in Tampa Bay two years ago.

The Jets brought in Joyner last season to provide some veteran leadership but he lasted less than 10 snaps in the opener before being lost to a season-ending injury. The Jets opted to re-sign the 31-year old but may be hoping one of their younger players can establish themselves as a longer-term solution.

In 2021, several youngsters got a chance to start as injuries forced the Jets to start nine different players at safety over the course of the season. There were mixed results from the likes of Will Parks, Jason Pinnock, Elijah Riley and Ashtyn Davis but each showed potential at times. Pinnock might have the inside track after moving from cornerback to safety for the last three games of his rookie season and holding up well.

Jason Pinnock, of the New York Jets, is shown during pregame practice, at MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford, Sunday, January 2, 2022. Jets Vs Bucs / Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
Jason Pinnock, of the New York Jets, is shown during pregame practice, at MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford, Sunday, January 2, 2022. Jets Vs Bucs / Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

Key concern for 2022: Continuity

With so many personnel changes last season, it’s hardly surprising there were often blown assignments in the secondary. In an ideal world, the Jets will hope for someone to separate from the pack during camp so that Whitehead has a full-time partner to complement him.

They might still need to rotate in the event of injuries or poor play, though. Whitehead himself has been durable at the NFL level, but if he misses time then someone else will need to step up.

Player who must step up in 2021: Ashtyn Davis

Davis is a former third-round pick but has failed to live up to that over his first two seasons. While he filled out the stat-sheet to an extent last year, the impact plays he made were often overshadowed by him getting beaten in coverage or taking bad angles in pursuit.

If Davis can stay healthy, this might be his best chance to realize his potential and establish himself as a full-time starter. However, with so many other candidates for roles, he cannot afford to make too many mistakes otherwise he’ll fall out of the rotation and maybe even off the roster altogether.

Oct 24, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New York Jets safety Ashtyn Davis (21) takes New England Patriots running back Brandon Bolden (25) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports / Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New York Jets safety Ashtyn Davis (21) takes New England Patriots running back Brandon Bolden (25) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports / Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Biggest camp battle: Joyner vs. Pinnock vs. Davis

With Whitehead locked in as one starter and expected to play closer to the line of scrimmage, the Jets need someone with range and coverage skills to man center field. While Joyner has been a solid player in that role in the past, he missed almost all of last season and prior to that had been employed as a slot cornerback with the Raiders for a few years. However, he provides the team with a veteran fallback option.

The Jets will hope for one of their youngsters to step up before the season is over. Davis had his ups and downs last year, as noted, so he will need to prove he can be more disciplined and consistent. Pinnock is now a full-time safety having acquitted himself well at the end of last season but may still have plenty to learn.

Parks and Riley also have a good chance to make the roster but, although there is some positional flexibility here, they are probably better suited to backing up Whitehead at strong safety.

Overall 2022 outlook

To an extent, the Jets are going to be relying on some unknown quantities in 2022, but there should be a good competition in camp and at least they have several alternatives to use if their starters struggle to stay healthy.

If Whitehead can become the leader the Jets need him to be, then he could make a lot of money for himself by the end of the 2023 season, so he’ll be motivated to excel.

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