New York Jets snagged an absolute steal from Alabama in the NFL Draft and he's already fitting in at rookie minicamp
The New York Jets put together a strong pass defense in 2024, allowing the third fewest passing touchdowns and fifth lowest net yards per attempt in the NFL. However, the team will be replacing at least four key contributors in the secondary this year (a combined 2400 snaps).The Jets brought in Andre Cisco (S) and […]
The New York Jets put together a strong pass defense in 2024, allowing the third fewest passing touchdowns and fifth lowest net yards per attempt in the NFL. However, the team will be replacing at least four key contributors in the secondary this year (a combined 2400 snaps).
The Jets brought in Andre Cisco (S) and Brandon Stephens (CB) via free agency, then drafted Azareye'h Thomas (CB, Florida State) and Malachi Moore (DB, Alabama). Cisco and Stephens will definitely start, Thomas may be a rotational contributor, but the surprising potential starter and absolute steal of the class for the Jets is Malachi Moore.
Malachi Moore, Defensive Back Alabama
Malachi Moore could slot in for the Jets almost immediately in a couple different roles if he continues to impress at rookie minicamp and throughout this summer. Moore was a five-year (seriously) starter for Alabama who logged over 3,000 college snaps, so he's coming in as a veteran already. And based on how he's dealt with the media he's a made-ready pro for the Jets–which certainly won't surprise Alabama fans who understand the rigors of the Nick Saban system Moore spent four years in:
"I feel like we have a good coaching staff here. They're real demanding when it comes to teaching and that's one thing I can appreciate because every great player needs to be coached. So, for them to hound us on the standard and how to do things–I love it."
Malachi Moore spent much of his time with the Alabama Crimson Tide operating as a shutdown do-everything slot defender, but transitioned more into a prototypical safety role in his final two seasons. Only time will tell this summer, but given his variety of experiences and versatile skill set Moore could push Tony Adams for one of the starting safety spots or own significant nickel and dime cornerback duties before the season's end as well (alongside Michael Carter and/or Isaiah Oliver).
Adams and Oliver are both on cheap one-year contracts, so Moore could certainly overtake either one of them on the depth chart, leading to significant snaps. Carter is likely more entrenched given his pricier extension, but Moore is almost certainly better player overall than him too.
It's still quite strange that such an experienced defender with a wide variety of skills dropped to round four of the NFL Draft, but Jets fans certainly won't complain when Malachi Moore makes a phenomenal impact as a rookie this season. It's still early, but he's saying all the right things, working hard, and is fitting right in. Let's hope that continues, because it looks like the Jets got a good one in Moore.
Former Alabama Crimson Tide standout named as the top remaining NFL free agent
Someone needs to sign him
We'll be back with more Alabama Crimson Tide and New York Jets coverage here at A to Z Sports soon! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!
And if you want to see why Malachi Moore was an absolute steal for the New York Jets just check out his 2024 season highlights in the video below!
