Best of the AFC East: Bills D-line division’s premier unit

Defensive line rankings for the AFC East heading into the 2020 regular season.

Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

2. New York Jets

The Jets have a strong starting unit, with Quinnen Williams, Henry Anderson and Steve McLendon anchoring the D-line. Each player takes up valuable real estate against opposing offensive lines, and they all are athletic enough to beat linemen. Teams will have to decide how to scheme against the Jets, as trying to block one-on-one against this trio might be problematic for O-lines. Anderson fell off from this seven-sack total in 2019, but he still played well against the run.

The Jets drafted Florida’s Jabari Zuniga to bolster the pass rush. Foloruno Fakusaki will spell McClendon when necessary.

The Jets allowed the second-fewest rushing yards last season, giving up an average of 86.3 yards per game. The unit will work to be a bit more active against the pass, though The Jets were 23rd in the league with 35 sacks. While the numbers were not overly impressive, the Jets’ defensive line has the talent to provide problems for opposing offenses. Williams is a star in the making and could have a breakout second season like many hope Oliver will in Buffalo.