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

Inside Linebackers

Expected Starters: C.J. Mosley, Avery Williamson

Avery Williamson has been a solid contributor from the inside for this young New York Jets defense. He didn’t put up gaudy numbers, but his 120 combined tackles and three sacks were a step up from his time with the Tennessee Titans. As Williamson is developing he’ll be able to learn a thing or two from his newest teammate, one of the best inside linebackers in the league, C.J. Mosley.

Mosley was easily the best defensive signing Gang Green made this offseason. At five years and $85M, some thought that the Jets overpaid for this talent, but it’s the exact opposite. Mosley is the near perfect man for Adam Gase’s defensive system.

A true ballhawk in that front seven and Gase will see an impact on day one. Before coming to the Jets, Mosley played five seasons for the Baltimore Ravens appearing in four Pro Bowls. In five career NFL season, he has 563 tackles, nine interceptions, and eight career sacks. He’ll have another Pro Bowl year for the boys in green and white. Mosley will definitely be a vocal leader on and off the field.

Their linebacking corps is one of the New York Jets better position groups on the field and has the potential for tremendous depth. Newly drafted Blake Cashman will look to become a steady contributor. He had 12 sacks and 183 tackles during his career at the University of Minnesota.

Darron Lee has been a bit of a question mark. The 24-year-old has shown promise at times but hasn’t panned out to be what the Jets hoped he would when they drafted him with the 20th overall pick in 2016. With the season approaching, the team declined his fifth-year option, making him an unrestricted free agent after 2019.

It’s unclear whether the Jets team will try to trade him for some sort of value while he’s still under contract, but what’s the hurt in seeing if you can try to squeeze one great season from him.