New York Jets: Top 5 Personnel Needs
By Robby Sabo
2. Edge Rusher
If Maccagnan and Bowles decide to go in this direction during the first-round of the NFL Draft, then this defense could challenge for best unit in 2015.
During Rex Ryan’s early years with the Jets he possessed a phenomenal secondary. Because he had very little upfront, he needed to come up with extravagant blitzes to manufacture pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
It worked. It actually stunned the rest of the league.
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However, once the rest of the NFL caught up to his blitzes, his defense slowly slipped a bit. After some time, Ryan then lost his secondary guys (Revis, Cromartie, Jim Leonhard), and started to build upfront with guys like Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson.
The past couple seasons showcased a defense that could general some pressure on the quarterback with straight up four-man rushes. At this point though, the secondary was terrible.
Now, Maccagnan has brought those secondary boys back to town and for the first time in a long time, the Jets are equipped with a terrific secondary with the ability to get to the quarterback without the need to blitz.
The one missing ingredient comes along the edge in the form of a pure pass rusher.
While Quinton Coples can be a useful starter in Bowles’ 3-4 scheme, a freak opposite him would take this unit to the next level.
Perhaps Vic Beasley or Shane Ray is in the cards with Maccagnan holding the No. 6 overall selection.
Next: The Obvious Hole