How good of a backup safety is Sharrod Neasman?
Going into the 2021 offseason, New York Jets fans were understandably focused on positions such as edge rusher, cornerback, quarterback, linebacker, and much more.Â
Following free agency and the 2021 NFL draft, a need still remained that not many fans thought of – a fourth safety behind Marcus Maye, Lamarcus Joyner, and Ashtyn Davis. This role was previous filled by Matthias Farley who signed with the Tennessee Titans.
While the fourth-string safety isn’t the most pressing need on any team, it’s a role the Jets needed to fill, nonetheless.Â
The full Jet X member-only video is near the bottom of this page and can also be seen on the Blewett's Blitz homepage (if you're a paid member and logged in).
In comes 29-year-old Sharrod Neasman, who was signed by the Jets on June 10.
Neasman has experience playing under Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich while they were both a part of the Atlanta Falcons. He was used in a reserve role at safety with Atlanta but did step up to play a good number of reps in multiple games throughout the 2020 NFL season, as injuries tossed him into action.
Neasman was used mostly in a free safety/deep coverage role but did also show the capability to flex down into the box, where his physicality shows up.
Blewett’s Blitz podcast episode
The Jets’ special teams unit has undergone a lot of change, with the expected roster turnover and new coaching staff coming in. Neasman has also proven to be an effective special teams player and will contribute to this unit’s turnaround as well.
Neasman will have to compete for that fourth-string spot with a recent camp standout in J.T Hassell, but you’d think that Neasman has the leg-up due to his familiarity with Ulbrich’s defensive scheme.
Below is a full list of Neasman’s strengths and weaknesses, followed by a member-only film breakdown that is over 40 minutes in length.
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