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Tony Jefferson 'really making progress' in second year

The second year undrafted players is working with the first team for now.

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Second year Tony Jefferson is in an interesting situation. He sat behind Yeremiah Bell last season, but got a few snaps in and made a few plays. Bell has since retired (but not officially) and the team had a goal to address the safety position, drafting Deone Bucannon in the first round.

Bucannon is expected to become the starter, but Jefferson is not giving up on being the starter. In fact, he has been working with the first team all offseason, and the progress he has made has pleased his head coach.

"Tony is really making progress," said Bruce Arians to reporters. "(He's) very vocal. Last year he wouldn't say shit. Now he's very vocal, making the calls and checks on motion and getting his hands on lots of balls, so he's made the progress I had hoped he'd make."

Jefferson will have to work extremely hard to keep Bucannon off the field. Bucannon is bigger and faster, which is what the team was desiring to add in the secondary.

But even if he can't win the starting job, he still might see some playing time.

Arians has said that the team has safeties that can play linebacker in some packages. Jefferson is one of those players. The team might have some formations that have three and even four safeties on the field. Plus, he showed that he can make significant special teams contributions.

How much do you expect Jefferson to play this season and what kind of impact do you think he can have in 2014?