New York Jets: Lorenzo Mauldin and his Pass Rushing Potential

Lorenzo Mauldin is starting to realize his potential, and may just be the edge pass rusher that the New York Jets have been looking for.

The New York Jets have been searching for a dominant pass rush for years. The players of the “Sack Exchange” dominated the 1980’s, but not since John Abraham have the Jets boasted a player that could come off the edge and get to the quarterback.

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Mauldin was drafted in the third round of the 2015 draft. His talent as a pass rusher was there, but he was raw, needed time. Then he was injured early, which slowed his progress as well. But now, Mauldin has seen his reps steadily increase, to the point where he played 39 out of 75 defensive snaps against the Dolphins.

He also posted his third sack of the season, and is rapidly going from raw to refined. Mauldin can get to the quarterback, and may be that missing piece the Jets’ defense has been looking for since the day John Abraham was sent to Atlanta.

Let’s take a look at Mauldin’s sack from the fourth quarter against Miami.

All screenshots courtesy of NFL Gamepass.

The Dolphins have the ball, first and ten at their own 45 yard line. Ryan Tannehill is in the shotgun. Mauldin is lined up against Jason Fox on the right side of the offensive line, as indicated by the circle.  Tannehill is going to fumble the snap, but that doesn’t take away from the pass rushing skill.  Watch the leverage that Mauldin gets on the tackle, and quickly.

Ryan Tannehill fumbled the snap, but pay attention to the circle. Look at Mauldin’s right arm.  See how it is extended out on to the lineman?  He makes contact with the opponent first, which is always key to beating him.  Mauldin is already to the outside shoulder, which is going to make it tough for Fox to catch up.

Here is where we see the prowess of Mauldin.  He has completed what is called a “Swim” move.  Mauldin’s arms literally mimic a swim stroke, and in the frame above, he is already over the top of his man, and further up the field.  Jason Fox has been rendered out of the play, left with no chance to stop Mauldin here.

Moments later, and Mauldin has his sights set on his prey, Ryan Tannehill.  Jason Fox is desperately trying to push him out of the play, but it is too late.  Mauldin has the correct position, and Fox just has no chance.

Jason Fox has been left in the dust, and all that is left for Mauldin is to take out Ryan Tannehill. Mauldin his him lined up…

Mauldin levels Tannehill, and all Jason Fox can do is watch.

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It’s one play, understood. But, as the season has gone along, this type of play has begun to occur more often. Mauldin has made clear progress since returning from his injury. His story is moving, as he went between multiple foster homes thanks to absentee parents. A story like that gives a player the type of drive rarely seen.

If he keeps up this progress, Mauldin just may be the pass rusher that the New York Jets have long been waiting for.