What may Jets 6th-round LB Hamsah Nasirildeens role be in 2021?
Versatility can be crucial in the NFL. Thankfully, Jets sixth-round pick Hamsah Nasirildeen possesses that important quality and saw time as both a linebacker and safety during his collegiate tenure at Florida State. Its likely one of the more significant reasons as to why New York selected him this past May. But the Jets are already moving Nasirildeen to a linebacking role at the professional level, a decision that intrigues the young player. Hamsah is fired up to play LB  pic.twitter.com/uywsPPMXAN  New York Jets (@nyjets) May 15, 2021  I feel like when I was at Florida State, one of the best parts of my game was when we had our rotation come down into the box. That was when I felt really comfortable Nasirildeen told the Jets official website in May. An initial backup  The Jets likely wont (and shouldnt) start Nasirildeen right away. Given hes a sixth-round pick, its clear hell require time to develop and become accustomed to the league. This is especially the case when you consider his position change. Hell be making the transition to linebacker after he spent 12.8% of his 2020 defensive snaps at inside linebacker and 5.3% at outside linebacker (snap splits courtesy of Jet X-Factors Michael Nania). For context, Nasirildeen spent 42.3% of his defensive reps at free safety. Hamsah needs to get up to speed, and that may not be a quick process. Nasirildeen isnt expected to earn a starting job over C.J. Mosley or Jarrad Davis (barring any injury-related issues). Mosley still carries the potential to be a top player on this defense despite playing just two games combined over the last two years and the Jets invested in Davis when they acquired him on a $5.5 million deal this offseason. However, theres a chance Nasirildeen could give Blake Cashman a run for his money when it comes to one of the two outside linebacker spots in a 4-3 scheme (if Cashman starts). Cashman mainly struggled over the course of the 11 games he partook in the last two years. Not to mention, hes one of the guys that wasnt acquired by this current Joe Douglas regime, which may not be beneficial for his long-term future in Florham Park. The competition at OLB  If Cashman commences the season as a starting outside linebacker but is on a short leash, Nasirildeen wouldnt be the lone individual who could eventually take his spot. Fellow rookie linebacker Jamien Sherwood, who the Jets took in this years fifth round, will additionally compete for playing time. Also, dont forget 2020 third-round pick Jabari Zuniga, who could locate reps at outside linebacker as well. Hes looking to make significant improvements in his second season after an injury-ridden rookie campaign led to him appearing in just eight games last year.