Jets' Bryce Hall working hard to keep starting cornerback job
Jets cornerback Bryce Hall talks to the media during training camp at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, N.J., on Tuesday. Credit: Patrick E. McCarthy
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Bryce Hall isn’t looking over his shoulder even though he has every reason to do so.
Hall was the Jets’ No. 1 corner last season, starting all 17 games on the outside. In the offseason, the Jets signed D.J. Reed to be their CB1 and drafted shutdown corner Sauce Gardner with the No. 4 pick.
Thus far in training camp, Hall and Gardner have been alternating days with the first-team defense. The odds seem stacked against Hall retaining his starting job, but he’s at peace with however this competition ends up. Hall is relying on his faith and belief that everything happens for a reason.
“I know if I do what I’m supposed to do, if I continue to get better then everything’s going to work out the way it’s supposed to,” Hall said. “I don’t really worry, honestly. I don’t really worry about this or that thing because all of that stuff takes away from my game and what I’m trying to do in the present. Nothing really good comes from that.”
The Jets remain high on Hall, who is entering his third season. They love his work ethic, approach and attitude and they have trust in him.
“He’s a relentless worker,” Robert Saleh said. “He’s gotten better in coverage. He was really good last year too. He’s a pro’s pro. Love having him around, just his presence and competitive nature that he’s got is a bonus for anyone really.”
Hall, a 2020 fifth-round pick, said he’s enjoying the competition in the improved defensive back room. He said everyone is pushing each other and making each other better, including him and Gardner.
“Between me and him, it’s nothing but love,” Hall said. “He’s a good player. He’s pushing me to be an even better player and hopefully I’m doing that for him.”
Mum on Watson
Saleh wouldn’t offer much on the judge’s ruling that Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson should be suspended six-games for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy stemming from being accused by 24 female massage therapists of sexual assault or misconduct. The Jets play the Browns in Week 2.
“Thinking about Baltimore,” Saleh said, referring to the Jets’ Week 1 opponent.
Two-minute drill
Running back Michael Carter didn’t participate in team drills Tuesday because of an ankle issue. Saleh said Carter is day-to-day. … Left tackle George Fant, returning from knee surgery, got in some team portions of practice. Saleh said the plan is to continue to ramp up Fant’s workload. … Defensive end Vinny Curry (hamstring) didn’t practice. Saleh said Curry should return by the end of the week.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
