Jonathan Vilma joines the Jets.

Middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma, one of a record six former University of Miami players chosen in the first round of the draft, reached agreement with the Jets on his first NFL contract.
Details of the contract, which will be signed Tuesday afternoon, were not yet available. The agreement assures that Vilma, the 12th player chosen overall, will be in camp on time. The Jets report to Hofstra University on Thursday.One of the college game's most instinctive defensive playmakers over the course of his career, Vilma, 22, is expected to earn plenty of playing time as a rookie. There is some chance he could bump veteran Sam Cowart from the starting job in the middle, but the more likely scenario is that he takes snaps away from New York's outside 'backers.Vilma is capable of playing at one of the wing spots and his ability against the pass ought to earn him a regular spot in nickel situations. The Jets will feature an overhauled corps of linebackers, given the offseason releases of longtime veterans Marvin Jones and Mo Lewis.The goal of coach Herm Edwards and general manager Terry Bradway was to get much younger this year on defense and the remaking began at linebacker. Vilma will be a good fit with the kind of active defense being installed by new coordinator Donnie Henderson, a scheme that will demand quickness."We felt he was the most instinctive player in the draft," said Bradway, speaking of Vilma. "He's a real playmaker with really strong intangibles and we're excited to have him in our program. He was the guy we targeted all along, because we feel like he is a good fit for our football team."A three-year starter in college, Vilma finished his Hurricanes career with 371 tackles, including two straight seasons with 125-plus tackles. He had 30 tackles for losses, one interception, 12 passes defensed, three sacks and 12 pressures.

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