Jets linebacker Kiko Mauigoa played in 12 games last year as a rookie, including eight starts.
While he looked like a guy who could be a force against the run, you could argue his pass coverage needed some work.
If this off-season is any indication, it looks like he might have made some improvements as a coverage linebacker.
At the Jets’ recent veteran minicamp, he had an impressive play in coverage, knocking down a pass intended for rookie running back Chip Trayanum.
On June 2 at OTAs, he had one of the better pass defense plays by a linebacker (in practices open to the media), breaking up a pass down the left seam to tight end Mason Taylor.
Now, granted, you can’t get crazy with observations from the spring in no pads with no tackling, but remember, these spring practices used to be called “passing camps,” so one area you can perhaps grab some legitimate takeaways is in the passing game – plays by offensive and defensive players in this aspect of football. Run game anecdotes are a waste of time.
The Jets need a strong coverage linebacker to play next to Demario Davis.
The leading candidate now is Jamien Sherwood, but don’t rule out Mauigoa or Marcelino McCrary-Ball, who also flashed in coverage this spring.
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