New York Jets: Predicting 25 starters for 2018 season

New York Jets: Predicting the 25 starters for 2018 season

DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 19: Christian Hackenberg #5 of the New York Jets drops back to pass during the first quarter of the preseason game against the Detroit Lions on August 19, 2017 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions defeated the Jets 16-6. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 24: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers attempts a pass under pressure from Leonard Williams #92 of the New York Jets during the first half of an NFL game at MetLife Stadium on December 24, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

DL: Leonard Williams

Despite only two sacks and his first career interception, Williams had a good season in 2017. The Jets had no true edge presence, and Williams was unfairly expected to carry the burden of sacks, when that’s generally not expected of interior linemen. The seven sacks he recorded in 2016 should be the ceiling we expect from a man his size and position. Once the Jets have an edge presence expect the sack numbers to be there. He also added three tackles for loss.

NT: Steve McLendon

Steve McLendon had a tremendous season for the Jets in 2017. He had 1.5 sacks, which is good for a nose tackle, since that’s not his primary function. The primary function of the nose tackle is to stop runs in the middle. Based on the data from two places, McLendon’s season was great. He had seven tackles for loss, according to Team Rankings, and Pro Football Focus Elite gave him a stop percentage of 12.8 percent on his snaps against the run (second in the NFL).

DL: B.J. Hill (Draft pick)

Hill has a similar size and athletic ability of Muhammad Wilkerson. Even though he had a low sack total in 2017, don’t be discouraged. Hill had a good run stopping presence and he had the wherewithal to bat down passes when he couldn’t get to the quarterback.

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