Through the first weeks of free agency, the changes for team rosters continue as we head into the draft. Thus far, the New York Jets have undergone an overhaul of their roster to fit the image of general manager Darren Mougey. While new quarterback Justin Fields has been the focus of this offseason change, New York made a crucial addition to their defensive line. To maximize this defense, they need a run-stopping defensive tackle. Not only do they add one, but he’s someone with three Super Bowls and provides a great reference point to Quinnen Williams. Derrick Nnadi is more than just a great veteran for the Jets, he could be a well of knowledge for Williams as well.
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NT / DT – Derrick Nnadi, a defensive tackle who recently signed with the New York Jets after seven years with the Kansas City Chiefs, is praised for his early career success and run-stopping ability, despite scheme changes and rotation impacting his performance.
– PFF… pic.twitter.com/hBObFkjY2p
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Jets Gain Champion Winning Mentor Next to Quinnen Williams
The Jets defense needs to improve from their 2024 performance. Their once dominant defense in 2022-23 took a major step back. Change on the defensive line led to the team allowing the 10th most yards per carry last year. (4.1 opp YPC) Javon Kinlaw was a massive disappointment and barely made life easier for star Quinnen Williams. The valued veteran enters his sixth season and remains a focal point for the organization. But, he’s only one man. New York needed a run-stopper to pair with him to make life easier for Will McDonald and Jermaine Johnson on the edge. So that’s what Darren Mougey did by signing former Kansas City Chief Derrick Nnadi. Nnadi, a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Chiefs; will provide reliability and leadership for this young Jets regime.
Jets signed Chiefs defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi
The seven-year veteran was drafted by the Chiefs in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Before being drafted, New York invited the Florida State product with an official visit. After being selected by Kansas City, Nnadi shined in his second season. In 2019, Nnadi started in 16 games with 48 total tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. Paired next to future Hall of Famer Chris Jones, Nnadi helped the interior of the Chiefs defense leading to Kansas City winning the Super Bowl for the first time in nearly 50 years. This was only the beginning. Nnadi has played in five of the last six Super Bowls with the Chiefs. He won his second and third ring consecutively in 2022 and 2023. Despite moving to a reserve role for Tershawn Wharton to start in his place, Nnadi still played in all 17 games in 2024.
What does Derrick Nnadi offer to New York’s defense?
There are many reasons to support Nnadi’s addition to the roster. Primarily, he’s been a consistent presence in the Chiefs defense. Before entering his eighth season, Nnadi has only missed two games in his entire career. He’s started in 87 out of all his 115 games. Despite becoming a rotational piece, he still contributed to Kansas City’s success. While only having three career sacks, Nnadi’s usefulness stems from stopping the run. With 233 total tackles and 124 assisted tackles, Nnadi uses all of his 6’2″ 317 lb frame to help clog running lanes. This will be a massive benefit for Quinnen Williams as he fights off double teams.
New Jets DT Derrick Nnadi quickly shedding off his block in the Super Bowl pic.twitter.com/jeUpgfzKen
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Besides his usefulness as a run-stopper, it’s his knowledge of Chris Jones that could most benefit Williams. As a longtime member of the Kansas City Chiefs, Nnadi got to witness Jones’ development into a future Hall of Famer firsthand. Playing and practicing alongside a legend like Jones should allow a wealth of knowledge Nnadi can pass along to the Jets star. Between Nnadi and veteran defensive line coach Eric Washington, the Jets defensive line has the chance to see a major production boost.
Will the Jets take a defensive tackle in the draft?
The addition of Nnadi does have some impact on the Jets draft strategy. While he can still be available, Nnadi gives the Jets an insurance policy at defensive tackle if Michigan star Mason Graham is drafted before the seventh pick. With Nnadi next to Williams, I expect the Jets to go with offense in the first round.
Recently, mock drafts have shown New York interested in a few players. There’s big-bodied wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan out of Arizona. He’d be a great pairing next to Garrett Wilson for Justin Fields. As well, the offensive line could get rounded out with Armand Membou. After a strong NFL Combine, the Missouri offensive tackle would be an instant starter at right tackle. The duo of Membou and Fashanu would establish a decade-long tackle duo. Finally, Penn State tight end Tyler Warren. By drafting Warren, New York gets an explosive playmaker in the passing game who can impact the running game as a fullback as well. Due to Tanner Engstrand’s successful resume of tight ends between TJ Hockenson and Sam LaPorta with the Lions, it’d be a perfect match.
Main Photo: [Dale Zanine] – USA Today Sports