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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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C.J. Mosley, Baltimore Ravens. New York Jets. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
C.J. Mosley, Baltimore Ravens. New York Jets. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Outside Linebackers

Expected Starters: Brandon Copeland, Jordan Jenkins

Brandon Copeland had five sacks and added 14 QB hits in 2018. He is a great asset for Gang Green despite not touching the field in 2017. Even with his success, Copeland could still get bumped by Jachai Polite by the end of the season.

The Jets desperately needed an elite edge rusher going into 2019 and Polite fills that need well, if he can stay healthy. After posting poor numbers at the combine, it came out that he had to deal with a hamstring injury. That negatively affected his draft stock.

The Jets may have gotten a bargain with the former Florida Gator in the third round. Polite has the potential to be the best outside rusher on his team as well as in his division. The best part is that he’s only a rookie.

Jordan Jenkins made a big step in his development last season. He is fully expected to have a larger impact on the Jets coming into his fourth season in 2019. Last year, he tacked on a career-high seven sacks while getting an additional 15 QB hits. At 24, Jenkins will pair well with Copeland and Polite to make the outside rushing a formidable unit, something that it hasn’t been since David Harris and Calvin Pace’s days.

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