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New York Jets: Post-draft/free agency defense analysis

By James Kattato

Jordan Jenkins #48 of the New York Jets (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
Jordan Jenkins #48 of the New York Jets (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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New York Jets
New York Jets /

Quinnen Williams, Alabama Crimson Tide. New York Jets (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Defensive Linemen

Expected Starters: Quinnen Williams, Leonard Williams, Henry Anderson

The defensive line without question got a boost with the addition of Quinnen Williams. Former Alabama starting defensive tackle Williams will have a near immediate impact on the team.

Many people call Williams a mini Aaron Donald and the similarities between the two definitely stack up. Racking up 10 sacks in his 24 SEC games, he will go into the season with a giant bullseye taped to his back. He is ultimately the best player the Jets could have gotten from the 2019 NFL Draft. Offensive lines will have an incredibly tough time trying to stop him alongside his new teammates, Leonard Williams, and Henry Anderson.

In his four seasons played as a member of Gang Green, Leonard Williams has been a little hot and cold. Outside of his 2016 season when he made his only Pro-Bowl, he hasn’t been as dominant on this defense as fans had hoped. He’s always been a great run stuffer, ranking third in the league for run stops and tackles for no gain/loss since 2015. His inefficiency in the passing game is what’s hurt him and this New York defense.

L. Williams improved slightly this past season with an overall pass rushing grade of 71.4 from PFF. In order to take this Jets defense to the next level, he needs to keep improving in that department which it looks like he’s doing. I know I said that this defense was bolstered with Q. Williams, but Leonard could actually make this D-Line the best in the NFL with some improvements to his pass rush.

Henry Anderson was a new pickup by NYJ last season and he exceeded expectations. In his lone season for the Jets, Anderson picked up a career-high seven sacks in only three starts. Assuming he takes more of the load on the defensive line, the 27-year-old is going to be a valued asset for Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams and will help boost the Jets to a premiere run/pass stopping team.

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