New York Jets: Player evaluations on defensive line
Muhammad Wilkerson
FINAL STATS: 46 COMBINED TACKLES, 26 SOLO, 3.5 SACKS, ONE INTERCEPTION, FOUR PASSES DEFENDED
We know that those of us reading this article are more likely to be on the Jets next year than he is, but we evaluate him anyway. After all, he was SUPPOSED to be an important piece.
The story isn’t hidden here. Wilkerson was going to be a guy that was a cornerstone of the organization for years to come. He was a first round pick and a player that could stop the run and get after the passer. It was all building through 2015 when he posted 12.5 sacks, but broke his leg. He was given a pass in 2016 as he was coming back from the injury. However, now that he was paid, big things were expected in 2017.
However, we got poor numbers and poor attitude instead. Look above to review the numbers. What made it worse was the attitude. He trouble showing up to meetings and that led to disciplinary action. That’s a problem. If you are going to be a leader, you have to be one off the field as well as on. Set an example. That means on the field, on the practice field, and in the class room. What that means is show up on time. Wilkerson couldn’t do that so it’s time to say goodbye.