New York Jets

This sleeping giant will emerge for the Jets in 2015

Published Jul. 21, 2015 4:21 p.m. ET

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The New York Jets have a new-look defense in just about every aspect. Rookie Leonard Williams joins an already elite defensive line, Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie, and Buster Skrine will solidify the cornerback position, and Marcus Gilchrist is a candidate to win the starting free safety job. Other than that, the defense is practically the same! Jokes aside, New York's defense is shaping up to be one of the best in the league.

An important returning piece on that side of the ball is a second-year player who struggled in his rookie year. However, he's a candidate to have a comeback year in 2015. That player is:

Calvin Pryor, SS

Pryor struggled mightily in his rookie season, even getting benched by Rex Ryan in November. In all, he started just 11 games, which is not exactly what you want from a healthy first-round safety. Part of the reason for Pryor's struggles, though, was that he was playing a position he was fairly unfamiliar with: free safety.

In college at Louisville, Pryor was more of a thumper as a strong safety, but displayed the ability to play in coverage and make plays on the ball in the air. For the Jets, he was asked to play more coverage early on, which didn't bode well for Pryor.

He only deflected two passes, both in the first game of the season, and failed to create a single turnover via interception or fumble. Again, not what you want from a starting safety, but there is room to improve.

Now in a Todd Bowles-led defense with great pass rushers and cornerbacks, Pryor should be able to play closer to the line of scrimmage, almost as an extra linebacker. If he is able to play strong safety for the duration of the season, he should be an integral part of a great defense. He brings a hard-nosed attitude to the game which his teammates will feed off of. I expect Pryor to play a big role this season for the Jets.

Photo Credit: Wesley Hitt/Getty Images