The Jets’ front three struggled last season, failing to frequently get after the quarterback and stop the run.
New York was 24th in rushing defense in 2018, allowing 117.9 yards per game. In terms of sacks, the defensive front was rather quiet. New York combined for just 39 sacks.
As of now, the Jets only have three players on their defensive line who are currently under contract. Leonard Williams, Nathan Shepherd and Folorunso Fatukasi are all expected to return next season. Steve McLendon is a free agent, as is Henry Anderson.
The defensive line needs some major upgrades this offseason. Luckily for the Jets, there are a handful of defensive tackles available that could fill the void left by McLendon and Mike Pennel. Let’s take a look at three players the Jets should consider.
Grady Jarrett
Grady Jarrett has improved in every season he’s been with the Atlanta Falcons since the Clemson product was drafted in 2015.
In his rookie season, Jarrett saw limited playing time, as he only started in two games. However, he did play in 15 total games and was very productive, recording 24 tackles and a sack.
The following season is when Jarrett broke out. He started in 14 of 16 games and had a monster year with 48 tackles and three sacks. Jarrett then topped that year in 2017 with 55 tackles and four sacks. Last season, the 25-year-old had 52 tackles, three forced fumbles and a career-high six sacks in only 14 games.
With McLendon likely on his way out, Jarrett would be the perfect replacement. He can stop the run and get to the quarterback, which is rare in a defensive tackle nowadays.
Margus Hunt
It took a while for Margus Hunt to establish himself in the NFL, but he’s turned himself into a hot commodity at age 31.
Originally a sixth-round pick by the Bengals in 2013, Hunt didn’t see much action in Cincinnati. He played a total of 44 games with the team, but never made a single start.
The Colts decided to give Hunt a chance in 2017 when they gave him a two-year deal. While he only started five games in 2017, Hunt did play in every game for the first time in his career and he took advantage. He finished with 29 tackles, one sack and two pass defenses. This past season, Hunt broke out with a career-high 30 tackles and five sacks. He also added two pass defenses and a forced fumble.
His age is a concern — he will be 32 next season — but there is no denying his skills. Hunt can stop the run and get to the quarterback every now and then.
Darius Philon
Darius Philon is an under-the-radar name, but his production on the field has been quite impressive.
After a slow start to his career, the 2015 draftee has been a solid starter for the Chargers. In 2017, Philon started in only four games, but played in all 16 and contributed 31 tackles, 4.5 sacks, one pass defensed and a forced fumble. With more playing time in 2018, Philon improved his numbers. He finished with 33 tackles, four sacks and a forced fumble.
Philon is great at stuffing the run and has some pass-rushing ability. Luckily for him, he’s only 25 and has plenty of time to improve.
