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New York Jets: 7 Training Camp Battle Projections

By Maurice Moton

May 25, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Jets cornerback Marcus Williams (20) during OTA at Atlantic Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Jets cornerback Marcus Williams (20) during OTA at Atlantic Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /
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Darron Lee (Ohio State) after being selected by the New York Jets as the number twenty overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Darron Lee (Ohio State) after being selected by the New York Jets as the number twenty overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

Position: Inside Linebacker

Projected Favorite: Darron Lee

Demario Davis signed with the Cleveland Browns in the offseason, which left an open spot next to David Harris at inside linebacker.

The Jets decided to start the draft with a commitment to reinforcing the defense. Due to Jaylon Smith and Myles Jack’s major injuries as collegians, Darron Lee’s stock rose as the best pure linebacker in the 2016 draft class. The Bears drafted Floyd at No. 10, but there’s ambiguity about his natural fit in the league.

According to Cimini, Lee will contribute as a nickel linebacker, who covers the field sideline to sideline and adds blitz capability. The Jets needed speed at the position to offset Harris’ slow decline. The former Ohio State linebacker recorded 11 sacks and three interceptions in two years on campus.

The Jets re-signed linebacker Erin Henderson, but he’s very similar to Harris in what he brings to the defense. For versatility, the coaching staff will likely turn to Lee in most scenarios.

Next: No. 3 Wide Receiver

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