Continuing my projection of where the Jets' 53-man roster stands after general manager Joe Douglas' first foray into the NFL Draft and free agency jungles, let's take a glimpse at the marginal improvements made to Gang Green's defense and specialists.
(Click here for Part I—The Offense)
Without a legitimate edge rusher or shutdown cornerback, defensive coordinator Gregg Williams' group overachieved last season, finishing 16th in the league in points allowed, alongside top seven rankings in both yards per game and per play. You can argue that a soft schedule overrated the performance, but credit Williams for making lemonade out of lemons, especially after injuries decimated his linebacking crew.
With no major impact players added to a returning core, Williams will be expected to work miracles again, this time facing opposing quarterbacks who know how to play. Barring injuries and late upgrades, here's a way-too-early projection of Gang Green's defense and specialists:
Defensive line
Starters: Quinnen Williams (LE), Steve McLendon (NT), Henry Anderson (RE)
Backups: Foley Fatukasi, Nathan Shepherd, Kyle Phillips
The deepest unit on the club in 2019, even after Leonard Williams was dealt to the Giants, the Jets' d-line will be even more effective this season if the leaner Quinnen Williams, the third overall pick in last year's draft, takes a big step forward as a sophomore. Gregg Williams rotated six guys heavily last season and they're all back for more. The Jets got outstanding production from backups like Fatukasi, who received ProFootballFocus.com's fourth-highest run stop grade last season among interior linemen with at least 300 snaps, and Shepherd, who outpointed Quinnen Williams 7-6 in the sacks-plus-QB-hits category in about 40% of the pass rush opportunities from the same position. Who says they can't get better in 2020?
Outside Linebackers
Starters: Jordan Jenkins, Patrick Onwuasor
Backups: Terrell Basham, Jabari Zuniga
Again, edge rushing is a problem. Jenkins, who was re-signed to a relatively cheap 1-year, $5 million deal, will get you 7-8 sacks, but at a very low (6% last season, per PFF) pressure percentage rate. Basham is a solid "almost gets there" backup, but nothing more. Gregg Williams will show a lot of 3-3-5 looks, so Onwuasor as the second starter here isn't etched in stone. I do think the former Raven will see the field more than many expect in this underwhelming group. Third-round pick Zuniga projects as a regular Sunday inactive, but his development will be a priority over guys like Frankie Luvu, Harvey Langi and Jordan Willis.
Inside linebackers
Starters: C.J. Mosley, Avery Williamson
Backups: Neville Hewitt, James Burgess, Blake Cashman
Williamson, like guard Brian Winters, seems like an obvious cap casualty ($6.5 million savings), but is sticking around following a season that ended prematurely with an injury in the first exhibition game. Mosley, the Jets' marquee defensive free agent signing last year, played three healthy quarters before he too was sent to IR. Cashman managed to play seven games in his rookie season. Fortunately, Hewitt and Burgess filled in admirably and were asked back. Onwuasor can swing here as well.
Cornerbacks
Starters: Pierre Desir, Arthur Maulet, Brian Poole (slot)
Backups: Blessuan Austin, Quincy Wilson, Bryce Hall
This group could use more depth since I'm junking unplayables Nate Hairston and Kyron Brown. Maulet came on a bit down the stretch to earn another shot opposite Desir, who needs to rebound from a poor 2019 season. Poole was one of the league's best slot corners last season. After starting the season on the PUP list, Austin was outstanding for about four games but didn't see the field after his Week 16 halftime benching. The hope is that Hall, who is coming off an ankle injury at Virginia, can reprise Austin's early success.
Safeties
Starters: Jamal Adams, Marcus Maye
Backups: Ashtyn Davis, Bennett Jackson
The shiniest light in a dim program. Adams will make a lot of noise about his next contract (he's signed through the 2021 season and can then be franchise-tagged), though that's all he can do at this stage. The Jets should take care of their best player. Maye is in a prove-it campaign as he will be an unrestricted free agent afterward. The Daily News' Manish Mehta reported on Monday that Douglas has discussed trading Maye since the Jets didn't pick Davis in the third round (68th overall) without some belief that he can be their future free safety. My guess is that Douglas is just laying the groundwork for a midseason deal in case the Jets are out of contention.
Specialists
Kicker: Sam Ficken
Punter: Braden Mann
Long snapper: Thomas Hennessey
Ficken's hold on the kicking job is tenuous at best after a rocky (27th-place among 29 kickers with at least 20 attempts in both field goal and extra point percentage rankings) 2019 campaign. An open competition this summer will surely decide the winner. The Jets used a sixth-round pick on Mann—farewell, Lachlan Edwards. Mann just needs to be better than awful to make it out of camp. Hennessey is signed through 2023—that few notice him on the field is why.
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