With the beginning of training camp less than a week away, it’s time to take a closer look at the makeup of the Jets’ roster entering the 2020 season.
The Jets defensive line was the strong suit of the team’s defense in 2019. With the coaching of Gregg Williams and Andre Carter, the unit helped significantly contribute to the NFL’s seventh overall-ranked defense last season. New York’s defensive front finished as the league’s second-best run defense, allowing just 86.9 yards per game and 3.34 yards per carry.
Leading the charge upfront was veteran Steve McLendon, who continues to be an anchor in the middle at 34-years-old. Even though Henry Anderson struggled to improve upon his 2018 season and Quinnen Williams was slow to get out of the gate, New York relied on its extensive depth to win its battles in the trenches.
As training camp and the beginning of the regular season inch closer, Jets Wire will provide a look at each of New York’s position groups and what could be in store for the unit in 2020. Let’s breakdown the defensive line room at One Jets Drive.
The Starters
While Gang Green was unable to secure a game-changing edge rusher for its defensive front, the team is still returning a more than formidable unit.
Even though McLendon is entering the twilight of his career, the Jets starting defensive tackle hasn’t come close to losing a step. In fact, 2019 was one of the best seasons of his career. McLendon tallied a career-high 10 tackles for a loss, seven quarterback hits, 2.5 sacks, one fumble recovery and 36 tackles in 2019. He is the unquestioned leader on the Jets’ front seven and has paid dividends for the team’s run defense. With no signs of slowing down, McLendon will likely continue to split snaps with Folorunso Fatukasi for the 2020 season.
While McLendon is the unit’s heart and soul, the key to the defensive line’s continued success in 2020 is Quinnen Williams. Although the former No. 3 overall pick got himself in a bit of hot water this offseason, he’s poised to break out in his sophomore year. Williams’ rookie campaign started with him missing three of the Jets’ first four games due to neck and ankle injuries. When he returned, he was fighting through injuries. Once Leonard Williams was traded to the Giants, however, Williams’ potential started to flash. In 13 games he recorded 28 tackles, 2.5 sacks and one fumble recovery.
Injuries also took their toll on Anderson, who was unable to recapture the production that earned him a new contract. Battling through a shoulder injury, which cost him three games, and adjusting to a new scheme under Williams led to a frustrating season for Anderson, who compiled just one sack, three tackles for a loss and nine quarterback hits in 13 games. It’s likely his role will be reduced this season.
Depth
The Jets’ depth at the defensive line position hasn’t gone unnoticed and neither has the staff’s ability to develop talent. Players who were originally afterthoughts like Fatukasi, Nathan Shepherd and Kyle Phillips played significant roles in Williams’ rotation in 2019.
Playing in 35 percent of the Jets’ defensive snaps in 2019, Fatukasi was the team’s biggest surprise. He registered 27 tackles, one sack, three quarterback hits and seven tackles for a loss. He looks primed for a bigger role in 2020. Shepherd had already been written off as a bust after an underwhelming rookie campaign and a six-game suspension, but he quickly turned the tables on that narrative. Sticking by his side, the Jets have found a rotational asset who could push Anderson for playing time. Phillips is another player on the defensive line who is primed to breakout. The undrafted free agent out of Tennessee is a versatile disrupter who should get more playing time with the Jets’ lack of additions at the pass-rushing position.
Jordan Willis, John Franklin-Myers, Bronson Kaufusi, Domenique Davis and Sterling Johnson round out the Jets’ defensive line depth chart. While they have limited time to make an impression in the upcoming weeks, it’s likely New York will stash away players it views as developmental projects on the practice squad.
Outlook
While there is a lot to be excited about, the expectations for the Jets defensive line should be tempered. New York will be banking on a lot to go right for its deepest unit. The Jets will need Williams and Anderson to step forward while continuing to put their faith in a rock-solid veteran like McLendon.
Looking at New York’s depth, Fataukasi, Shepherd and Phillips all have the potential to break out with an increased role. They will need to continue to develop these players with a limited training camp.
With all that said, the defensive line looks like it will yet again be the deepest unit on Gang Green’s roster.
See more from Jets Wire’s Position Previews series:
