The defensive line is the engine that makes coach Robert Saleh's defense run, and it did a lot of sputtering in 2021. Without the injured Carl Lawson, who was supposed to be the catalyst, the Jets finished 29th in sacks and 30th in pressure rate, per ESPN Stats & Information. There were too many games in which the opposing quarterback found his first or second read with minimal disruption.
Opponents cracked the code a few games into the season, going to the quick game with extra blockers. In fact, the Jets faced a steady diet of six- and seven-man protection schemes -- a total of 242 dropbacks; only six teams had more.
Call it a sign of respect for the Jets' front four. Or, on the flip side, maybe it was a lack of respect for their coverage players. Either way, Saleh will look to add another big piece to go along with Lawson, John Franklin-Myers and Bryce Huff. They have poured a lot of money into the defensive line, with Lawson, Franklin-Myers and tackle Quinnen Williams combining for $38.4 million on the cap, but remember Saleh's background with the San Francisco 49ers. Their philosophy -- and his -- is you can't have too many edge rushers.
Instead of doling out major bucks in free agency for the likes of linebackers Harold Landry (Tennessee Titans) or Haason Reddick (Carolina Panthers), they can take an edge rusher with the fourth or 10th pick in the draft. Potential options are David Ojabo (Michigan) and George Karlaftis (Purdue) -- assuming Aidan Hutchinson (Michigan) and Kayvon Thibodeaux (Oregon) are off the board.
New York Jets - ESPN
Opponents cracked the code a few games into the season, going to the quick game with extra blockers. In fact, the Jets faced a steady diet of six- and seven-man protection schemes -- a total of 242 dropbacks; only six teams had more.
Call it a sign of respect for the Jets' front four. Or, on the flip side, maybe it was a lack of respect for their coverage players. Either way, Saleh will look to add another big piece to go along with Lawson, John Franklin-Myers and Bryce Huff. They have poured a lot of money into the defensive line, with Lawson, Franklin-Myers and tackle Quinnen Williams combining for $38.4 million on the cap, but remember Saleh's background with the San Francisco 49ers. Their philosophy -- and his -- is you can't have too many edge rushers.
Instead of doling out major bucks in free agency for the likes of linebackers Harold Landry (Tennessee Titans) or Haason Reddick (Carolina Panthers), they can take an edge rusher with the fourth or 10th pick in the draft. Potential options are David Ojabo (Michigan) and George Karlaftis (Purdue) -- assuming Aidan Hutchinson (Michigan) and Kayvon Thibodeaux (Oregon) are off the board.
New York Jets - ESPN
