NFL
With Yeremiah Bells’ transition from the Miami Dolphins to the New York Jets, the competition for the two safety positions on the roster has reached a ferocity that indicates a healthy competition and true commitment for the job.Rewind two years and the selection was way easier as the competition for the safety position was limited to Chris Clemons and Reshad Jones. But still, this battle for the safety spot too had many in suspense throughout the offseason, making guesses at who would steal the glory this time around.
Both players’ noteworthy stats from the past speak for themselves for their prospect of starting safety this season. Chris Clemeons had his opportunity in 2010, when he appeared in 14 of 15 games and recorded 61 tackles, 2 forced fumbles and 1 intercept. The Following year, Reshad Jones prevailed on the safety spot, starting in 12 of 15 games despite a hamstring injury throughout the season.
However, this year there are five contenders for the safety position. Count in Jimmy Wilson, Tyrone Culver and Tyrell Johnson, whom the Miami Dolphin’s coaches consider worthy enough to be given another look for the safety spot.
The competition for safety is going to be a tough one, which will encourage the cream of the crop to rise to the top.
"There's great experience there, some very good core special teams guys that have established themselves as that,” stated Miami Dolphins’ General Manager Jeff Ireland. “Now we need to establish themselves as really good football players and "safeties. … It's a good group, but someone needs to rise up."
All players are in this competition boast completely different qualities.
While Clemens has the advantage of height and athleticism for the safety position, he still fails to produce a striking effect in the game.
Reshad Jones on the other hand has a huge impact on the game and his stats speak for that. He’s a natural playmaker and has an eager eye to assess the field for opportunities. However, last season was proof that Reshad Jones is inconsistent and likely to disappoint every now and then.
“Learning up under Yeremiah Bell helped me learn the defense,” points out Reshad Jones. “I gained a lot being out there on the field."
Jimmy Wilson was a prominent player in the training camp, but his size (5-foot-10) accounts for a disadvantage since Eli Manning was putting a dent in his efforts last year.
However, Jeff Ireland is fascinated by with the prospect of Jimmy Wilson on the safety, as he is known to stand strong on his feet while delivering a powerful opposing force.
Tyrone Culver filed in as safety for Reshad Jones last season recording 36 tackles, 1 sack and 2 forced fumbles. While he may not have been as athletic as the rest of his competition, he got through to the whole defensive line last season in his four appearances and would serve as an ideal leader in the safety.
Tyrell Johnson is the most athletic safety often regarded as an “in-the-box safety.”However, he hit a slump with the Minnesota Vikings, and in his 27 starts in the last four seasons Tyrell Johnson only produced 123 tackles and 2 intercepts.
