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New York Jets: 3 Most disappointing players so far in 2017

By Stephen Smith

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 24: Bilal Powell #29 of the New York Jets runs the ball against the Miami Dolphins during the second half of an NFL game at MetLife Stadium on September 24, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The New York Jets defeated the Miami Dolphins 20-6. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 24: Bilal Powell #29 of the New York Jets runs the ball against the Miami Dolphins during the second half of an NFL game at MetLife Stadium on September 24, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The New York Jets defeated the Miami Dolphins 20-6. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 29: Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson #96 of the New York Jets celebrates a tackle against running back Tevin Coleman #26 (not pictured) of the Atlanta Falcons during the third quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on October 29, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 29: Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson #96 of the New York Jets celebrates a tackle against running back Tevin Coleman #26 (not pictured) of the Atlanta Falcons during the third quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on October 29, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

2. Muhammad Wilkerson

Will Jets fans ever see the dominant defensive tackle that made the Pro Bowl in 2015 again? That remains to be seen but it’s been another down year for the University of Temple product.

After recording a career-high 12 sacks (sixth in the league) during that stellar 2015 campaign, Wilkerson broke his right leg against the Buffalo Bills in the season finale that season and was not the same player last year. He recorded just 4.5 sacks and was not as effective against the run. His burst to the quarterback was not apparent. QB pressures and passes defensed were down. His performance had really suffered.

The 6-4, 305-pounder has only two sacks through 10 games this season so it’s been another down season for Wilkerson but there are some positive signs moving forward. Both of his sacks have come in the last three games and he added an interception against the Dolphins in Week 7. He has been more stout against the run and his lateral movement appears to have improved.

Wilkerson seems to be playing with a renewed enthusiasm as well. He is slowly starting to look more and more like that elite performer he was back in 2015. He has as many passes defensed (3) as he did all last season. Gang Green needs him to play at a high level if they want to stay in the playoff hunt.

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