10 NFL players ready to become household names in 2020

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 29: Running back Kenyan Drake #41 of the Arizona Cardinals carries the ball before he is stopped by linebacker Troy Reeder #51 of the Los Angeles Rams in the first quarter of the game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 22: Brian Poole #34 of the New York Jets looks on during the first half of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium on December 22, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

7. CB Brian Poole, New York Jets

Perhaps it’s the fact that he began his career with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent. Former University of Florida defensive back Brian Poole entered the NFL in 2016 and played in 16 regular-season contests and three postseason games for Dan Quinn’s Super Bowl-bound club. He finished fifth on the Falcons with 58 defensive tackles, to go along with three total takeaways and nine passes defensed. All told, he would spend three years with Quinn’s team but after the club didn’t pick up his options, he joined the Jets in 2019.

This past season with the Green and White, Poole again amassed 58 defensive stops, as well as one forced fumble, an interception and five passes defensed. He would become a free agent in March but the club quickly re-upped with the four-year pro and it’s easy to see why.

Via Pro Football Focus (subscription required), the 27-year-old performer is one of the top cornerbacks in the league. And another year under defensive coordinator Gregg Williams could add up to big things for Poole, who may now be the New York Jets’ top member of the secondary with the recent trade of All-Pro safety Jamal Adams to the Seattle Seahawks. And speaking of corners…

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