Having taken a pass on any defensive tackles in this year’s NFL draft, Jets GM Darren Mougey has added yet another interior defender, Khalen Saunders, in hopes of being able to have more success against the run.
Since landing the Jets GM job, Mougey has added Jay Tufele, Byron Cowart, Derrick Nnadi, Jowon Briggs, Harrison Phillips, Mazi Smith and now Saunders.
Tufele has been largely ineffective while Cowart landed on IR with Nnadi getting shipped back to Kansas City. Briggs has been the best of the bunch with Phillips being a solid addition on the middle as well. Smith has only been active for one game, playing twenty snaps against the Patriots.
Up next is Saunders, who has spent time with the Chiefs, Saints and Jaguars.
Saunders reportedly drew interest from several playoff teams in the Ravens and Colts along with the Cardinals and Jets. It seems Saunders turned down the chance at a playoff appearance in favor of spending seven games with the Jets, where he has a chance to start and put out some good film as he prepares to enter free agency in just a few months.
Serving as a backup for the first four years of his career, Saunders became a starter for the Saints in 2023, starting 27 games over two seasons in which he logged 100 tackles, four tackles for loss and three sacks. His addition gives the Jets two big bodied tackles in the 337 pound Mazi Smith with Khalen Saunders checking in at 324 himself.
Just how much we see the duo teaming up against the run remains to be seen, but you can’t deny that Mougey is turning over every stone to find a pair of stout tackles.
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Glenn was Born in the Bronx, New York and has followed the Jets religiously despite being stationed in several different countries and time zones around the world. He now resides in England and has been a JetNation member since 2005. Glenn will bleed green with the rest of us through the highs and lows.