Omletnator13
All-Star
The defense last season was the middle of the pack for the Jets, and when it came down to it, that was the final tipping point for the management per sources. After identifying his specialty as defense, the upper management could no longer accept average at their coach's strong suit. The players on that side of the ball were too talented to allow that to continue. These guys are expecting a huge year from the defense, and with the talent, they should deliver.
Defensive Line:
In the 3-4, we see a lot of guys playing gaps, only taking up space along the line to allow the linebackers to clean up the lanes. This defensive unit is different, the not only occupy gaps but blow up those respective spaces. DE's Leonard Williams and Sheldon Richardson make plays that other 3-4 gap defenders simply don't. Paired up with nearly moved NT Muhammad Wilkerson, these three have the chance to create something truly special this upcoming season. The team added some depth this offseason, signing some better fits for substitutions and rotations. Nose tackles T.J. Barnes and Beau Allen make up the guys disrupting the center and defensive ends Brandon Dunn and Tenny Palepoi do a great job shredding tackles and getting up field to make the stop in the backfield.
Middle Linebacker:
The defensive stalwarts from last year are returning in franchise veteran David Harris, and 2nd year linebacker Darron Lee. Darron Lee came on strong as a rookie and will only continue to grow as he is now taking reps as the coverage linebacker due to his better mobility. In support of those two are free agent signing Jon Bostic and one of the only 2 picks of the draft used on defensive by the Jets, Jason Cabinda, out of Linebacker U. Many are uncertain of how long veteran David Harris will be around, many are hoping that Cabinda or Bostic catch on here and can make an impact.
Outside Linebacker:
With no roster change at all in outside linebacker, the Jets are placing full trust on second year man Tim Williams out of Alabama and third year man Jordan Jenkins out of Georgia. The team officials have also been raving about second string edge rusher Julian Stanford who has multiple sacks and over 5 tackles for loss in limited playing time in 4 preseason games. He is making noise within this organization.
Cornerback:
This position belongs to one man on top of the totem pole: Darrelle Revis. But Revis has not been able to pull the load on his own the last few years, so the management made a surprise signing, giving Revis a running mate he hasn't had since Antonio Cromartie: Aquib Talib. That's right, highly regarded as a top 5 corner the last decade, the aging corner decided to take a trip to Revis Island and likes the view. Pairing these two with second year man TreDavious White out of LSU. White had an up and down year his rookie season but is ready to step up in the slot this year for the Jets.
Safety:
Calvin Pryor III is someone everyone in New York has faith in. It's the other safety spot that needed addressed this season. The Jets dealt with that two fold. Bringing in athletic specimen Terrence Brooks was the first step, the second was drafting Northwestern standout Godwin Igwebuike to compete for the spot. Unfortunately, that plan was cut short whenever Brooks sprained his knee and ended up on the injury list for 6 weeks. Along with that, Earl Wolff was brought on whenever the team needed a three safety look. This group of safeties have the potential to be very boom or bust, only the season ahead will tell.
Defensive Line:
In the 3-4, we see a lot of guys playing gaps, only taking up space along the line to allow the linebackers to clean up the lanes. This defensive unit is different, the not only occupy gaps but blow up those respective spaces. DE's Leonard Williams and Sheldon Richardson make plays that other 3-4 gap defenders simply don't. Paired up with nearly moved NT Muhammad Wilkerson, these three have the chance to create something truly special this upcoming season. The team added some depth this offseason, signing some better fits for substitutions and rotations. Nose tackles T.J. Barnes and Beau Allen make up the guys disrupting the center and defensive ends Brandon Dunn and Tenny Palepoi do a great job shredding tackles and getting up field to make the stop in the backfield.
Middle Linebacker:
The defensive stalwarts from last year are returning in franchise veteran David Harris, and 2nd year linebacker Darron Lee. Darron Lee came on strong as a rookie and will only continue to grow as he is now taking reps as the coverage linebacker due to his better mobility. In support of those two are free agent signing Jon Bostic and one of the only 2 picks of the draft used on defensive by the Jets, Jason Cabinda, out of Linebacker U. Many are uncertain of how long veteran David Harris will be around, many are hoping that Cabinda or Bostic catch on here and can make an impact.
Outside Linebacker:
With no roster change at all in outside linebacker, the Jets are placing full trust on second year man Tim Williams out of Alabama and third year man Jordan Jenkins out of Georgia. The team officials have also been raving about second string edge rusher Julian Stanford who has multiple sacks and over 5 tackles for loss in limited playing time in 4 preseason games. He is making noise within this organization.
Cornerback:
This position belongs to one man on top of the totem pole: Darrelle Revis. But Revis has not been able to pull the load on his own the last few years, so the management made a surprise signing, giving Revis a running mate he hasn't had since Antonio Cromartie: Aquib Talib. That's right, highly regarded as a top 5 corner the last decade, the aging corner decided to take a trip to Revis Island and likes the view. Pairing these two with second year man TreDavious White out of LSU. White had an up and down year his rookie season but is ready to step up in the slot this year for the Jets.
Safety:
Calvin Pryor III is someone everyone in New York has faith in. It's the other safety spot that needed addressed this season. The Jets dealt with that two fold. Bringing in athletic specimen Terrence Brooks was the first step, the second was drafting Northwestern standout Godwin Igwebuike to compete for the spot. Unfortunately, that plan was cut short whenever Brooks sprained his knee and ended up on the injury list for 6 weeks. Along with that, Earl Wolff was brought on whenever the team needed a three safety look. This group of safeties have the potential to be very boom or bust, only the season ahead will tell.