Tag Archives: New York Jets

Bailey, Dion

Card: Sage 2014 (85/250)
Acquired: 2015, Box Breaker

Dion Bailey is an interesting type of tweener that some schemes call an ‘Elephant’.  He’s a linebacker/ defensive back hybrid that the USC Trojans used all over the field from 2011 to 2013. He earned the Pac-12 honor for being the Defensive Freshman of the Year when he had 81 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 2 pass deflections, and 1 forced fumble in 2011. He’d settle in at linebacker for 2012 with similar numbers (80 tackles, 1 sack) but have 4 interceptions, before bouncing over to safety in 2013, with 62 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 5 picks, and 6 pass deflections. Dion declared for the 2014 NFL Draft, but went unselected. 

He spent the next year on and off the Seahawks practice squad and injured reserve lists at strong safety. Dion started 1 game and had 3 total tackles for the Seahawks. He was signed by the New York Jets in 2015, and actually saw playing time in 5 games (1 start) with 18 combined tackles, .5 sacks, and 2 pass deflections backing up Calvin Pryor.  He was granted an injury release in 2016 and is for all points and purposes retired from the sport.

Dion spent some time working internships in political government over the last year or two. He studied public policy at USC and has dreams about running for Mayor of Los Angeles.

Reilly, Trevor

Card: Leaf Draft 2014
Acquired: 2018, Walmart Autographed Memorabilia

Trevor Reilly played both on the defensive line and at linebacker while in college at Utah. Over his 4 years there he played in 48 games, posting 235 total tackles, 37.5 tackles for loss, 20.5 sacks, 5 pass deflections, 2 interceptions and 5 fumble recoveries. Reilly waited a long time to hear his name called but eventually during the 7th round of the 2014 Draft, the New York Jets called his name.

He spent two seasons with the Jets (2014 and 2015) where he suited up for 29 games. During that time he had 19 total tackles, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble. He’d be released in 2016 and found his way onto the Patriots practice squad. A few months later, Trevor was signed to the active squad of the Dolphins, where he finished out the year. He’d be placed on the team’s practice squad in 2017, but be released early into the season. The Patriots resigned Reilly needing depth at the position. Currently he is a free agent.

Outside of that, Trevor is known for two things in the NFL. First he’s completely fluent in Swedish- something he picked up during his missionary time while there in the country. Second, during a game against the Broncos, Reilly accidentally knocked out referee Jeff Rice.

Pryor III, Calvin

Card: Leaf 2014
Acquired: 2018, Walmart Autographed Memorabilia

Calvin Pryor III played college ball at Louisville. A starter as a true Freshman, Pryor started laying down the wood for the Cardinals in 2011 with 43 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 2 interceptions, 5 pass deflections, and 2 forced fumbles playing the majority of his snaps at free safety. He continued his wrecking ways in 2012, posting a solid 100 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack, and 2 interceptions. In his final year at Louisville (2013), Calvin finished with 72 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, and 4 passes defended. A physical player, Pryor amazingly knocked a player out in 3 consecutive games. There was a lot of buzz surrounding Calvin entering the 2014 NFL Draft, and scouts loved his set skills, instincts, and physicality- all things you’d ask for in a free safety roaming the line of scrimmage. He ended up going #18 overall to the New York Jets.

Well Pryor had a rough rookie season to say the least. He hd some bright spots, but he missed 15 total tackles on the year.  In 11 starts Calvin clocked 60 combined tackles, 2 pass defended, and .5 sacks. It was a rough trial by fire to say the least.  2015 proved to be his best season on record. Moved around the field and playing both safety positions, Pryor finished with 69 total tackles, 2 interceptions, 6 pass deflections, and a forced fumble.  He’d be moved out to strong safety for the 2016 season, and regressed. Considered a liability in coverage, Calvin had 6 pass deflections, a forced fumble, and 60 total tackles.  After a tumultuous offseason, Calvin was traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2017, but soon thereafter be released by the franchise for fighting with a teammate. He was subsequently picked up by the Jacksonville Jaguars, but released before the end of the season, suiting up for just 2 games. The Texans kicked the tires on Calvin at the end of 2017 but opted not to sign him.

Currently Calvin is a free agent. I think he’s still got the skills to ball. A lot of good in the box safeties seem to go through this pariah stage of their career, but at some point find a home that really suits their unique skillset. Case in point Bonecrusher Bernard Pollard or DJ Swearinger.  Both of these guys were great playmakers, who just needed to be put in systems that really showcased their abilities at or close to the line of scrimmage. As Calvin is still young, there’s still hope for him left, and if the NFL isn’t where it is at, I think he’d make a fine addition to the Alliance of American Football.