Bradley McDougald was an underrated part of the Jamal Adams trade. McDougald has more than double the amount of interceptions that Adams has over the past two years. He’s a very real player the Jets acquired in the deal. Obviously, getting the two first round picks and third round pick is unbelievable but McDougald shouldn’t be forgotten about.
“This isn’t me being here to replace Jamal. This is me here as a fresh start, just the same way that I couldn’t be Kam, I couldn’t be Earl, but I still found my way to be successful, is the same way with this,” McDougald said, via NJ.com. “It was above me. It’s not like I came in and was like, ‘You know what, I’m about to take Jamal’s job.’ No, I got traded, and that’s that. I’m coming here to be the best me. I can’t be Jamal. I’m not the same person as Jamal. And the only thing I can do is show up every day and be the best Bradley McDougald.”
That’s definitely the right attitude to have. You already know McDougald is going to get baited into these questions all year. Plus, if the Jets struggle the media will unfairly bring up Adams even if he isn’t performing well in Seattle. The Jets defense could be in for a rough year. CJ Mosley opting out is obviously a huge blow.
More so than anything, I’m curious to see what happens with Ashtyn Davis. Will the Jets lean on McDougald or can Davis emerge as the other starting safety? His development is something to watch and will make trading Adams a much easier pill to swallow if he pans out.
