The Jets defense doesn’t boast the biggest names in the league, but some of New York’s top players have performed well recently and continue to develop at their respective positions.
But they aren’t considered among the best in the league, yet.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler asked more than 50 league executives, coaches, scouts and players to rank their top-10 best players at every position. Zero Jets made the defensive lists.
However, the trio of safety Marcus Maye, linebacker C.J. Mosley and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams all received votes.
Maye and Williams are coming off career years, while Mosley was among the best middle linebackers in the NFL before missing most of the past two years.
Two former Jets did make the top-10 lists, though. Jamal Adams, whom the Jets traded to the Seahawks last summer, finished fourth among safeties. Leonard Williams, whom the Jets traded to the Giants midway through the 2019 season, finished seventh on the defensive lineman list.
Here’s what the survey responses said about each Jet:
On Maye:
“Really stood out last year… Not a special athlete but so well-rounded, can play down or from depth. Solid tackler.” – NFC scout. “Bad team and scheme probably held him back [last year].” – NFC defensive coach
On Williams:
“He’s going to have a huge year. They had him in that two-gap scheme, but [new Jets coach] Robert [Saleh] will just have him attacking. He’s good enough to jump a gap and get back in a gap. Teams have to scheme for him more than most.” – NFC executive
On Mosley:
“Still a high-level linebacker when he’s on the field. It’s just been a while.” – AFC exec
While none of those Jets cracked the top 10 lists, those are still pretty rave reviews. We’ll see if any of Gang Green’s offensive stars make ESPN’s cut next week.
