For a guy who was benched earlier this year, Jets cornerback Dee Milliner is closing fast.
The first-rounder was named NFL defensive rookie of the month for December, finishing his first season much stronger than he began it.
Milliner had three interceptions and 11 pass breakups in the final two games, while drawing Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon and Miami’s Mike Wallace. That’s the kind of performance they were expecting when they picked him ninth overall, but it took some time to sort out.
“It feels great, finally catching on to things, doing what I’m supposed to,” Milliner said, via the team’s official website.
Between Milliner’s progress and the steadier play of defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson, the draft is shaping up as a very good one for the Jets defense.
Now all they need to do is fix the other side of the ball.