New York Jets: 2018 Offseason predictions through the draft

FLORHAM PARK, NJ - JANUARY 21: New York Jets Owner Woody Johnson (C) poses with new General Manager Mike Maccagnan (L) and new Head Coach Todd Bowles after they were introduced to the media during a press conference on January 21, 2015 in Florham Park, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz /Getty Images) /

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 26: Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson #96 and inside linebacker Demario Davis #56 of the New York Jets tackle quarterback Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on November 26, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Carolina Panthers won 35-27. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Demario Davis

When the Jets let David Harris go it was for two reasons. One was age, attrition and being able to use the cap space saved in the carryover for 2018. The second was in the hopes of Demario Davis filling the void left behind, and did he ever do that.

Pro Football Focus Elite ranks Davis in the top 20 in the NFL in all four categories for inside linebackers, run stop percentage, pass rush productivity, tackling efficiency and coverage. He had 35 tackles for loss and 22 quarterback pressures this season. His tackling efficiency (number of tackles per miss) was 13.9, 12th in the NFL.

Davis has proven to be a good replacement for the tackling machine that was David Harris. He’s proven his early career blunders were just the learning curve of the NFL, and that he’s a late bloomer that just took time to get a hold of the NFL.

Not only has he proven to be good himself, but having him alongside Darron Lee has been good for Lee. Lee has stepped up his game playing by Davis, and they can be a dangerous duo inside, if the Jets play their cards right. He’s a must re-sign, or the Jets will set themselves back.

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