The Jets parted methods with their sacks chief, traded their most versatile defensive lineman and haven’t but practiced with their large pass-rush acquisition.
Not precisely the anticipated recipe for creating one of the best line of defense within the league, which is the label that NFL Community movie guru Brian Baldinger lately gave to the Jets on the “Inexperienced Gentle with Chris Lengthy” podcast.
So, why the hype?
Begin with the developmental strides in method, pad degree and explosion made by 2022 first-round draft decide Jermaine Johnson as an edge complement to two-time Professional Bowl sort out Quinnen Williams.
Add within the inside optimism that there’s one other Johnson within the making with 2023 first-rounder Will McDonald.
“Simply actually attempting to be an apex predator,” Johnson mentioned. “Do energy at an especially excessive degree, finesse at an especially excessive degree, and actually put [offensive] tackles in a bind. Simply all-around dominating all the things is the place my head is.”
The core of the Jets’ protection is identical as final season — eight of the 9 gamers who logged not less than 650 snaps are again — however the cross rush will look totally different.
Can it’s as efficient as 2023, when the Jets ranked No. 2 within the NFL by hurrying quarterbacks on 10.1 p.c of dropbacks regardless of the second-lowest blitz share (16.3)?
Johnson, who “can do all of it very well,” in coordinator Jeff Ulbrich’s phrases, may very well be tasked with the added duty of sliding inside to get extra velocity on the sphere on third downs, as John Franklin-Myers beforehand did.
Franklin-Myers (14 quarterback hits) was dealt to the Broncos, Bryce Huff (10.5 sacks) and Quinton Jefferson (six sacks) signed elsewhere in free company, and Carl Lawson (seven sacks in 2022) stays unsigned.
The departures are an apparent vote of confidence in Johnson to take the subsequent step from 7.5 sacks after a robust end to his second season. Perhaps in McDonald, too.
“My ceiling, I simply maintain elevating it,” Johnson mentioned. “I don’t suppose I’ll ever attain it as a result of once I attain my objectives I simply maintain aiming increased and better and better. I used to be taught to go till the wheels fall off and take advantage of out of God’s items. That’s my aim.”
The Jets paired Johnson with Haason Reddick — whose tape Williams, Huff and Johnson studied for pointers final season — by way of commerce with the Eagles.
However Reddick (50.5 sacks in his final 66 video games) was a no-show for voluntary OTAs and necessary minicamp.
The ripple impact created extra reps for McDonald, who performed sparingly as a rookie however might decide whether or not Reddick is within the Jets’ long-term plans along with his personal development. Reddick is looking for an extension coming into his contract 12 months.
“To see him now somewhat bit extra settled, somewhat bit extra targeted, deeper understanding of what it takes to achieve success on this league,” Ulbrich mentioned of McDonald. “I’m very excited for him.”
The 6-foot-4, 236-pound McDonald was a wholesome scratch twice however registered 2.5 sacks over the past 5 video games as his snaps elevated. The line of defense’s depth, together with Micheal Clemons, Solomon Thomas and newcomers Javon Kinlaw and Leki Fotu, isn’t going to protect McDonald once more if he doesn’t make extra performs.
“He’s gotten stronger,” head coach Robert Saleh mentioned. “He has a slight body — that’s his make-up — however you’ll be able to see his power. We will’t see all of the physicality as a result of it’s somewhat bit extra tempered [in non-contact practices], however I believe he’s put in a superb offseason. These subsequent [weeks] are large for him, and we’ll see when pads come on.”
Johnson’s hearth was lit at the moment final 12 months as a result of he was unhappy along with his rookie manufacturing, particularly in comparison with draft classmates Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson and Breece Corridor.
“They [were] making big performs for the workforce. I didn’t really feel like I used to be in a position to try this,” Johnson mentioned. “I felt like I must raise my facet of the sofa. With that got here extra taking part in time, after which I used to be capable of, I really feel, maximize my taking part in time.”
It’s tempting to imagine McDonald will observe Johnson’s path with a second-year breakout. It’s no assure.
“First-round draft decide, edge rusher — eyes are on you. He is aware of that,” Johnson mentioned. “No person can put extra stress on Will than himself. I do know he’s been working his butt off. He seems to be good. He’s in a superb mind set proper now.”
Come coaching camp will probably be as much as Johnson and McDonald to place the departures of Huff, Franklin-Myers, Jefferson and Lawson out of everybody’s thoughts.
