The Jets are rolling with their youth in the slot in 2021.
New York let veteran nickel cornerback Brian Poole walk in free agency, opting to replace him with 2020 undrafted free agent Javelin Guidry and 2021 fifth-round pick Michael Carter II. While that duo’s inexperience may seem concerning, Robert Saleh is looking forward to playing both this season after watching them develop this spring and summer.
“We’re really excited about the slot corner,” Saleh said after Friday night’s tie against the Eagles. “When you look at Michael and Guidry, we think they’re two NFL starters with the potential to be even more with their youth. They got a chance to grow into that position.”
Both players come with their own set of strengths that Saleh praised. For Guidry, it’s all about his speed. He ran the fastest 40-yard dash at the 2020 NFL draft combine at 4.29 seconds and looked solid in two starts as a rookie. Carter II appears to be incredibly mature for his age; Saleh praised his smarts and communication skills.
Carter II looked good in coverage in the Jets’ final two preseason games.
“We’re very excited about those two,” Saleh said. “Those are definite starters in this league and they just add to the value of that position.”
Only one will win the starting job, though, and it’s unclear who leads the pack. Guidry will likely get the nod considering his experience and quickness, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see Carter II earn the job at some point this season or for Jeff Ulbrich to cycle the two throughout the year.
Either way, Saleh appears content with his slot cornerbacks – even if they aren’t household names just yet.
