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New York Jets Midseason Grades By Position

By Kenneth Teape

Oct 23, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; A New York Jets flag waves in the end zone after a touchdown run by New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) (not shown) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Ravens 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; A New York Jets flag waves in the end zone after a touchdown run by New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) (not shown) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Ravens 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Jets Midseason Grades By Position
Oct 30, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Jets outside linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin (55) and New York Jets defensive tackle Leonard Williams (92) celebrate Mauldin /

Linebackers

Grade: C+

The linebackers have been a little disappointing for the Jets this season. They overhauled the unit some in the offseason, adding more speed and youth with Darron Lee and Jordan Jenkins in the NFL Draft. They haven’t had the impact yet that the Jets were hoping for.

Lee is currently injured and looks like he will miss his third straight game. Jenkins has only 10 tackles on the season, one going for a loss. David Harris is still a leader in the middle but his effectiveness on the field is waning. Harris’ streak of 100+ tackle seasons is in danger of ending, as he has only 32 at the midway point. He is a leader defensively so the team is better with him out there, but the Jets need to find a long-term answer in the middle.

Lorenzo Mauldin was expected to break out this season but started slowly with inconsistent playing time. He has started to see more opportunities defensively and is making the most of them. He is arguably their best pass rushing linebacker, so look for him to be unleashed more in the second half of the season. He has received more playing time in recent weeks and is making the most of it.

If this unit can provide more pass rush the second half of the season it will help take pressure off the rest of the defense.

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