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NY Jets rookie set for first NFL start after veteran’s injury
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

After entering the weekend listed as questionable, the New York Jets ruled out safety Tony Adams for Sunday’s Week 3 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to a hip injury, paving the way for rookie fourth-round pick Malachi Moore to make his first NFL start.

Two games into the 2025 season, Adams has gotten off to a shaky start. The former undrafted free agent has logged a brutal 40.6 grade from Pro Football Focus. Adams has allowed 4-of-5 passes into his coverage to be completed for 60 yards, while also missing two tackles and committing a holding penalty.

Moore spent four seasons anchoring Alabama’s secondary, where he appeared in 64 games and became known for his consistency. He racked up 214 tackles, 16 of which were behind the line, while adding seven interceptions, 25 breakups, and three forced fumbles.

His senior campaign was his most polished, earning one of the SEC’s top coverage grades from Pro Football Focus at 89.4, paired with a 75.5 grade against the run.

WATCH: All-22 Film Review of Malachi Moore at Alabama

Despite his impressive numbers and tape displayed throughout his collegiate career, scouts questioned Moore’s ceiling and his modest 6.11 Relative Athletic Score, which ultimately pushed him into the fourth round.

Throughout the preseason, Moore was nothing short of a standout. He was flying around the field while showing incredible instincts and versatility on film, as Jets X-Factor’s Robby Sabo displayed.

With Adams out against Tampa Bay, Moore now has the opportunity to prove his preseason surge was no fluke, and if he delivers, the Jets may have no choice but to keep him on the field.

This article first appeared on Jets X-Factor and was syndicated with permission.

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