One of the newest additions to the Jets is a very familiar face.
Safety Yeremiah Bell spent the first nine years of his NFL career with the Jets' division rival, the Miami Dolphins, before being signed as a free agent in May.
However, after being such a embedded part of the Dolphins franchise for so many years, the move to the Jets was something he adapted to quickly. Asked when he became comfortable wearing the green Jets jersey, he replied with a smile, "When I first put it on."
He's excited to get an opportunity to play in the Jets defense. "It is fun," Bell agreed. "In Miami, I was more of a box guy. I was always that down safety. I came here and I get to do a lot of different things."
Bell has relied heavily on safety Eric Smith to mentor him on the details of the defense and spent a lot of time studying his playbook during the break between OTAs and training camp. He now feels comfortable in the scheme. "I feel like I have a good understanding of the defense," he said. "I'm at the point where I can play and I'm not thinking."
Coach Rex Ryan is very high on Bell and his adjustment to the Jets' defense. "He's a complete safety...You name it, he's seen it and done it."
Ryan also called Bell a natural leader and mentioned the unusual road Bell took to the NFL. Not recruited out of high school, Bell ended up working in a steel mill for two years before enrolling at Eastern Kentucky University where he made the football team as a walk-on. Bell
ultimately became a sixth-round Draft pick when Miami selected him in 2003.
Ryan was so enamored with Bell that the day after this year's draft, with Bell still a free agent, Ryan flew immediately to Miami to meet with him.
The Jets now hope that Bell will provide a solid force for them in the defensive backfield.
Stay dialed in on the New York Jets by following correspondent Lisa Zimmerman on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLNYJ and @LisaZimmerman.
