Jets Sign A S To a future contract

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Jets  have signed S Brandon Hardin to a reserve/future contract today.

The Hawaii-born Hardin (6'3", 217) was the third-round selection by Chicago (79th overall) out of Oregon State in the 2012 draft. The Bears released him Oct. 28 last season.

Hardin has fought through several injuries — a shoulder injury that cost him the entire 2011 season for the Beavers, then a neck injury during the '12 preseason that landed him on the Bears' IR, then a scapula injury in the '13 preseason finale.

Hardin is the 14th player to sign a reserve/future contract with the Jets since the end of our 2013 season.

 

 

Hardin played at cornerback in 2010, but since being drafted by the Bears had been working as a free safety. He had 13 tackles and two passes defensed in six preseason games as a Bear.

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I liked this kid when he was coming out, but he seems to be made of glass

 

 

OVERVIEW

Hardin is a physically imposing corner who is an intriguing prospect, considering the little playing time he has received the past two years because of multiple injuries. While these injuries are a concern, if teams can look at Hardin's potential, he will likely be picked in the middle rounds as a developmental defensive back who could potentially move to safety.

 

ANALYSIS STRENGTHS

 Hardin is a physical cover corner who excels playing up close to the line. He has serious value for a Cover 2 team that likes big and physical corners who can support in the flats. He is a good athlete and has impressive hip fluidity for a man of his size, and he uses his length well in-phase.

 

WEAKNESSES

 Hardin has been held back significantly by injuries throughout his career. He is a bit of a slow-footed athlete, and his size makes him a tweener despite his cover skills. He hasn't played enough snaps at Oregon State to show he is NFL-ready and worthy of an early round pick.