Jaiquawn Jarrett certainly was not the best on the board when pick 54 rolled around in the 2011 draft. In fact, he wasn't even close.
Jarrett played football locally at Temple University, and was named to First-Team all MAC in 2009 and 2010. Although a free safety, Jarrett's run stopping is what had him on so many draft boards. He was an incredible downhill runner, and worked his way into backfields with rather ease. Scouts had described him as "ferocious", and his physicality and hard hitting abilities had pro scouts turning their heads.
But just as quickly as he gained the attention of teams, he easily turned them away. The Brooklyn native ran a mediocre 4.65 40 yard Dash, and footage of Jarrett showed his incredibly raw coverage skills.
However, the Eagles, hoping to fill the void at Free Safety, saw something special in Jarrett. Given a fourth round grade by most scouts, the Eagles took a chance and selected him in the 2nd round.
Unfortunately, the confidence the Eagles put into Jarrett has certainly been puzzling, as he's been a hot mess. He played in just 12 games in his rookie year (starting two), and had only 17 tackles. Certainly a disappointing season, but one that should not have been too surprising. They reached on a mid rounder who lacks the necessary instincts to play the Free Safety position. Maybe Philadelphia was spoiled with 13 great seasons from Brian Dawkins, and the great Andre Waters before him. Maybe Andy Reid & Co. saw a combination of the two in Jarrett, but it just does not seem to be working.
It was extremely apparent in the Eagles preseason opener. Jarrett came into the game versus the Steelers with a true chance to catch the attention of Juan Castillo and Defensive Backs Coach Todd Bowles.
Instead, he may have had the worst night on the team.
In the second quarter, Jonathan Dwyer broke through the line of scrimmage on a 3rd and 13 play. Jarrett who was in on the play, took a horrible angle to the ball carrier, stuck out his arm in a weak tackling effort, and took out teammate Philip Hunt in the process. Dwyer ended up getting the first down, plus an extra twenty yards to take the Steelers down to the 4 yard line. And on the same drive, Jarrett made another horrible play.
In another third down situation, some miscommunication occurred between Nnamdi Asomugha and Jarrett which looked like it was the Safety's fault. Asomugha was expected to drop back and play against the goal line fade, while Jarrett was supposed to play up on Emmanuel Sanders on a slant route. Instead, the second year Safety focused his attention to the Steelers Tight End, leaving Sanders all alone in between Asomugha and Jarrett. QB Byron Leftwich found him with easy, connected on the Touchdown, and the Eagles failed to stop the potent Steelers offense.
That would be the end of his night. He had just two tackles.
With Kurt Coleman certainly winning the starting Free Safety job, and with O.J. Atogwe bringing a great veteran presence as a backup, where does Jarrett fit in?
Likely nowhere. As training camp wound down, the Temple alum was sharing reps with Reserve Safety Tom Nelson, which means that he could be fighting for a spot on the Eagles roster, let alone competing for the Free Safety job.
With Andy Reid expecting the starters to play almost a full half against the Patriots, Jarrett must play his best football ever with only a limited capacity of time to shine.
Come September, he could be out of a job.
Jake Pavorsky is a contributor for Eagledelphia. You can follow him on Twitter @JakePavorsky.
