Quinnen Williams, Jets
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New York Jets defensive lineman Quinnen Williams reacting on the football field.
The New York Jets have a scary front four. The combination of Will McDonald, Quinnen Williams, a healthy Jermaine Johnson, and the three-time Super Bowl champion Derrick Nnadi who I project will start at nose tackle this season, should be enough to scare any AFC East offensive line.
But should anything happen to the starters, The Athletic asks the question: How much concern should there be about depth on the defensive line?
“When the Jets defense was at its best under Robert Saleh, the defensive line dominated up front with a deep bench of pass rushers, both from the edge and the interior,” Zack Rosenblatt writes. “They lacked that in 2024, and an argument could be made that the depth has actually gotten worse this offseason, at least on paper.”
This feels like an unfair criticism. Yes the 2023 front was scary, but that was thanks to a healthy Jermaine Johnson (who they have now) and a breakout season from Bryce Huff in the final year of his rookie contract. It is because of this success that Huff drew such a large price tag and New York was forced to let him walk. This is the way talent development goes in our league.
“The top backups are Micheal Clemons, who was out of his element as a full-time player last year; Rashad Weaver, who has zero sacks since 2022; fifth-round rookie Tyler Baron and both Eric Watts and Braiden McGregor, who combined for zero sacks in 364 snaps last year,” Rosenblatt concludes. “At defensive tackle, the options next to Quinnen Williams won’t exactly scare anyone: Byron Cowart, Jay Tuefele, Leonard Taylor III, Phidarian Mathis and some undrafted rookies.”
Who Can The Jets Expect Production From
Let’s start with Micheal Clemons. Clemons is entering the final year of his rookie deal and, for the price, has been an excellent addition in the Jets trenches. He has played in just about every possible game since entering the league in 2022. Last season he posted a career high 4.5 sacks. At six-foot-five, 270 pounds, Clemons is an old school defensive end and will provide some pop to the rotation.
Jay Tufele is a fifth year player who just finished three seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. He has never quite provided a statistical bump, but as a three hundred pound nose tackle, he has a lot of intangibles to work with.
Phidarian Mathis is an interesting case study. He was a national champion at the University of Alabama where his efforts earned him an early second round selection. But after just three years with the Washington Commanders, he was released. The Jets claimed him off of waivers and they hope to unlock the full potential in the young six-foot-four, 312 pound tackle.
Who Might Not Make The Cut
Byron Cowart is an interesting prospect. He follows the Tufele model: a true nose guard who’s play cannot be judged from a stat sheet. However, this is the fourth team Cowart will be trying to find a home on in his five year career. I wouldn’t be surprised if he isn’t on the day one 53-man.
Leonard Taylor III is a UDFA from the U who had a fine rookie season, he will have to earn his keep in year two.
The rest of the roster is mainly filled by a young group of big bodied rushers, who’s success will be dependent on the team’s ability to develop at the position.