The Jets have a major problem at cornerback right now, but it doesn’t look like Jamal Adams will be the one to solve it despite his eagerness to do so.
On Monday, Adams said he would be willing to switch to cornerback to help the Jets, as injuries to Trumaine Johnson and Kyron Brown have left New York extremely thin at the position. It doesn’t look like Gregg Williams views Adams moving to corner on a full-time basis as realistic, though.
Williams is a fan of cross-training his players to play multiple postions. He also believes Adams has the athleticism to play cornerback, a position he has lined up at occasionally in certain sub packages. However, Williams has not seriously considered taking Adams away from his natural position. In fact, he has not even broached the topic with the All-Pro safety.
“We haven’t even crossed that bridge with him,” Williams told reporters after Tuesday’s practice.
In Williams’ eyes, coaching and the next man up mentality will be the keys to solving New York’s dire cornerback situation. The veteran defensive coordinator can make scheme adjustments to cover up the weaknesses at the position, but players need to go out, make plays and prove that they belong at the end of the day.
“When it’s time to play, if you belong in this league, you have to show up,” Williams said.
It’s admirable that Adams is willing to switch positions to help his team, but him shifting from safety to cornerback would hurt the Jets more than it would help. Adams coming down to play corner leaves a gaping hole at strong safety, which would weaken one of the most important positions in Williams’ defense.
Adams switching positions does not solve any problems. It only compounds them. Well aware of this, Williams will do all he can schematically to put the Jets in the best position to win while he awaits the return of Johnson and Brown, as well as some possible outside reinforcements.
Just don’t expect to him to have Adams lining up at corner anytime soon.
