New England Patriots AFC East Analysis: New York Jets
By Hal Bent
May 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive lineman Leonard Williams (62) watches organized team activities at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
On defense the Jets did manage to add to their position of strength by staying put at number six overall and instead of trading down, selected defensive tackle Leonard Williams. With their two best young players Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson the two starters, where does that leave Leonard Williams? Williams can provide solid depth up front, but with Damon Harrison locked in at nose tackle and solid backup Leger Douzable already re-signed and veterans Stephen Bowen and Kevin Vickerson signed in free agency there is little playing time available once Richardson returns from his four game suspension.
The Jets need an outside pass rush and picked up the fifth year option on the disappointing pass rusher. Considering that the Patriots snagged young stars Chandler Jones and Dont’a Hightower after Coples came off the board, the Jets need head coach Todd Bowles to turn Coples into an impact pass rusher. Opposite Coples are greybeards Calvin Pace and Jason Babin who are both 35 years old.
At inside linebacker the Jets overpaid to keep veteran David Harris. Bidding against themselves, they paid a premium for a 31 year old who is in decline. To compensate, the Jets went out and signed just about every other inside linebacker on the market. They signed veterans Joe Mays, Erin Henderson, and Jamari Lattimore. Mays has never been more than a backup, and Henderson did not play a snap last year after substance abuse issues and DWI arrests.
Lattimore began 2014 as a starter in Green Bay but was returned to his regular role on special teams until a neck injury suffered against the Patriots landed him on injured reserve. With no better options, the Jets are going to again roll into 2015 with Harris and Demario Davis as their starters inside. Both are solid against the run but nothing special in terms of blitzing and coverage.
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