As the Jets get close to training camp, I am going to examine the roster and give you my top 25 players. Each weekday, we will reveal another person on the list, leading right into camp. I am not including rookies on this list because I do not feel it is possible to fully evaluate them before they play a game.
No. 19: Marcus Gilchrist
Last year’s ranking: Unranked (not on team)
Position: Safety
Age: 26
How acquired: Signed as a free agent on March 12
Years left on contract: 4
2015 Salary Cap figure: $3.125 million
Looking back at 2014: The Chargers moved Gilchrist from cornerback to safety two years ago, and his position versatility was his greatest strength for the team. San Diego used him both at nickelback and safety.
Gilchrist’s grade by Pro Football Focus ranked him as the 72nd safety out of 87, not a good showing. He only had one positive grade all season, coincidentally against the Jets. You might remember that 31-0 Chargers win when Geno Smith was awful and Michael Vick was unprepared in relief.
PFF’s numbers are not kind to Gilchrist. Quarterbacks had a 112.1 quarterback rating against him and completed 68.4 percent of their passes. He surrendered five touchdowns, committed seven penalties and had one interception.
Gilchrist is considered to be a good tackler.
Outlook for 2015: The Jets expect Gilchrist to start opposite Calvin Pryor. Gilchrist sat out the spring after undergoing shoulder surgery, but he expects to be ready for training camp.
Gilchrist was part of Mike Maccagnan’s great rebuild of the Jets secondary. Judging by his numbers from San Diego, though, it would be surprising if Gilchrist had a major impact. He has only five career interceptions in four years.
The Jets gave Gilchrist a four-year contract, but the only guaranteed money comes this year, so they could move on in 2016 if he struggles this season.
It is clear coach Todd Bowles puts a lot of stock in defensive backs being versatile. Both Gilchrist and Buster Skrine, another free agent signing, moved around a lot with their previous teams. Bowles likely will use packages that flood the field with defensive backs against certain teams, and a player like Gilchrist could have a big role in that with his ability to play multiple spots.