On Wednesday, we appeared on the 5 offensive gamers the Jets ought to watch throughout this yr’s Senior Bowl.
Now, it’s time to take a look at the defensive facet of the ball.
After ending thirty second within the league in 2021, Gang Green fielded among the best defenses within the NFL final season. The Jets have been fourth in yards (311.1) and factors allowed (18.6).
Defensive sort out Quinnen Williams and rookie cornerback Sauce Gardner each have been each first-team All-Pros and Pro Bowlers. Linebacker C.J. Mosley was a second-team All-Pro choice.
Although they didn’t earn any end-of-season honors, defensive ends Jermaine Johnson and Micheal Clemons each made impacts as rookies. The Jets will search for their subsequent crop of rookies to assist them enhance from their 7-10 mark in 2022.
Here are 5 defensive gamers they need to watch subsequent week down in Mobile, Ala.
HENRY TO’OTO’O, LB, ALABAMA
The Jets have already got one former Alabama linebacker on their roster in C.J. Mosley, they usually could have a look at one other one this April. To’oTo’o is among the greatest linebackers on this yr’s class and will additional cement that with an ideal displaying throughout Senior Bowl week.
To’oTo’o is a high-motor LB who exhibits a ton of explosiveness off the ball. After he transferred from Tennessee, To’oTo’o recorded 205 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in two seasons with Alabama.
His dimension (6-2, 228 kilos), alongside along with his questionable protection expertise, might maintain him out of the primary spherical of the draft. But he might enhance his inventory with an ideal displaying subsequent week in entrance of coaches and basic managers from across the league.
KEEANU BENTON, DT, WISCONSIN
Veteran defensive sort out Sheldon Rankins will likely be a free agent in March. If the Jets need to get youthful inside alongside Quinnen Williams, Benton might be a participant they might goal.
At 6-4, 320 kilos, Benton is imposing and can be sooner than he seems. He can get into the backfield shortly as both a run defender or a go rusher.
As a wonderful run defender, Benton is a special defensive sort out than Williams. Last season for the Badgers, Benton recorded 36 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in 12 video games.
Right now, Benton is a 3rd or fourth-round decide by way of projections. If he can present scouts he’s a three-down participant, Benton might be a lock for Day 2 of the draft.
JAMMIE ROBINSON, DB, FLORIDA STATE
The Jets cornerback room is strong with Gardner, D.J. Reed and Michael Carter II. But Gang Green might use somebody with the flexibility of Robinson who can play at security and as a slot cornerback.
Robinson is a tough-hitting security who has the power to get higher on the subsequent degree. He is superb within the field towards the run and has ok expertise to grow to be a very good security on the subsequent degree.
After transferring from South Carolina to Florida State, Robinson registered 183 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 5 interceptions in two years. Don’t be stunned if Robinson solely continues bettering his inventory because the draft course of progresses.
RONNIE HICKMAN, S, OHIO STATE
Safety is a major want for the Jets as each Lamarcus Joyner and Jordan Whitehead have been inconsistent all through final season. Hickman is one other participant who Gang Green might consider closely in the course of the Senior Bowl.
Last season for the Buckeyes, Hickman had 53 tackles, one interception and 7 go breakups. These numbers are down from his 2021 season when Hickman recorded 99 tackles, one sack and two interceptions.
Hickman is a downhill security who can learn and perceive offensive performs in entrance of him. He additionally has the power to return near the road of scrimmage and play the run.
One knock on Hickman is his battle in single-coverage conditions. With all of the gifted receivers on the Senior Bowl, scouts have to see if Hickman can enhance in that space.
ANDRE CARTER II, EDGE/LB, ARMY
Carter is what some would possibly name a growth or bust prospect. At 6-7, 260 kilos, Carter has the intangibles scouts drool over as he has unbelievable athleticism for a participant his dimension.
However, Carter is coming off a down 2022 season. Last season for the Black Knights, Carter had 41 tackles, seven tackles for loss and three.5 sacks. The season earlier than Carter appeared like one of many nation’s greatest defensive gamers as he had 44 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks.
Carter is a uncooked expertise and with the precise teaching he might unleash his full potential. It will likely be attention-grabbing to see how he performs towards an enormous bounce in competitors all through the week.
The Jets don’t essentially want pass-rushing assist, but it surely’s by no means dangerous to have a bunch of gamers who can rush the quarterback.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com