The New York Jets agreed to terms with more than a dozen undrafted free agents at the conclusion of the 2023 NFL Draft. Former Florida safety Trey Dean III was one of the bigger-name additions for general manager Joe Douglas, and Dean possesses an excellent opportunity to make the Jets’ final 53-man roster.

Dean was productive for the Gators throughout the 2022 college football season. Dean recorded 81 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, four pass breakups, and two fumbles recovered. Over the previous two campaigns, Dean accumulated 173 tackles, 2.0 sacks, and 14 passes defended. Dean also has four career interceptions under his belt. Capturing that sort of production in the SEC earned Dean an opportunity at the next level.

The Jets didn’t draft a single safety despite making seven total selections. Douglas allowed the aging LaMarcus Joyner to reach the open market, where he currently remains available. Joyner played a workhorse 873 defensive snaps last season and is expected to be replaced by veteran safety Chuck Clark, who was acquired in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens.

Clark is expected to start next to Jordan Whitehead, but things become muddier behind them. Former 2020 third-rounder Ashtyn Davis hasn’t developed in the desired fashion. Dean has a chance to compete to be the Jets’ No. 3 or 4 safety.

The Jets recognized the need for better depth at the position. It’s precisely why Douglas aggressively pursued Dean’s signature after the Hampton, Georgia native went undrafted. The Jets signed Dean to a deal that included $100,000 in guaranteed money to go along with a $10,000 signing bonus, according to multiple reports. It signals how much interest Douglas had in Dean’s services.

A rocked-up tone setter, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound Dean has terrific size for the position. Dean’s strength was on display throughout the NFL Scouting Combine. Dean posted a position-high 25 bench-press reps. That result placed Dean in a historic 96th percentile among all safeties, per MockDraftable.

Lower-body explosion was on display via a 72nd-percentile 124-inch broad jump and a 64th-percentile 36.5-inch vertical jump. A box defender, athletic comparisons for Dean’s profile include Buffalo Bills inside linebacker Matt Milano. The Jets are getting an extremely physical player.

Dean is a versatile defensive back who originally enrolled at Florida as a cornerback. Dean possesses the football IQ necessary to play multiple positions in the secondary. Dean especially thrives near the line of scrimmage, where he can easily insert himself into the action on run fits. Dean has also flashed the ability to cover tight ends and running backs when necessary.

Dean is a high-level run defender who diagnoses pre-snap and flows downhill with an attacking mindset. He has a quick trigger with ideal closing speed to the ball carrier. He is a physical striker with a no-nonsense temperament.

Dean was likely disappointed when he went undrafted, but he ultimately landed in a great spot with the Jets. Dean will compete for an opportunity throughout training camp and the preseason. He’s an excellent bet to make the Jets’ roster.