Burner from the Boot
Cornerback Parry Nickerson ran a 4.32 40-yard dash, tied for the fastest among defensive backs in February's Combine. While the 5'10", 182-pounder played the majority of his team on the outside for Tulane, he's open to playing the nickel or wherever the coaches want him to line up.
"I think he has a great scheme with great coaches," Nickerson said of head coach Todd Bowles. "I met with a lot of them and we have a good feel for each other. It's just an honor to be a part of the organization. I'm looking forward to it."
One Size Fits All
When asked to self-scout his game, Nickerson had a simple, confident answer.
"I'm a consistent lockdown playmaker," he said.
Staying Put
A Far Rockaway, Queens native, defensive end Folorunso Fatukasi has only left the Empire State for college (UConn). "Foley" didn't have a Jets-Giants preference growing up, but he's excited to play for his hometown team.
"It feels great," he said. "To be drafted by the New York Jets, I have my teammates behind me and my hometown New York City behind me. It's a real blessing."
King of Queens
Even though Far Rockaway, NY isn't considered a pipeline for NFL players, the 6'4", 318-pound Fatukasi always had his eyes set on the NFL and was pleasantly surprised how his draft process unfolded.
"It was a long day. I had some friends and family that came and supported me, regardless of what was going to happen," he said. "I'm highly thankful for them because they've always been behind me. Just even being in this moment, I'm just trying to catch my breath talking because it was a long day. I was like, 'When is my phone going to ring?' It's a great feeling."
Meet the Jets Sixth Round Pick
Fire In the Hole
Running back Trenton Cannon, the Green & White's third sixth-round selection, said Jets special teams coordinator Brant Boyer, who privately worked out Cannon during the pre-draft process, plans on using him as a returner on the next level. In the last two seasons for Virginia State, Cannon averaged 32.6 yards per return in addition to three scores.
"Coach Boyer liked me a lot and I knew that I'd get a chance with the Jets," he said. I took a visit during the visiting period and I loved it."
Ring the Bell
The 5'10", 185-pound Cannon doesn't model his game after anyone, but likes to take different pieces from a number of backs and apply their strengths into his game. He particularly enjoys watching Hall of Fame running back Ladainian Tomlinson in addition to current Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell.
"I like certain things about players, like Bell," Cannon said. "I like patience and he's an explosive running back."
