New York Jets: 5 Biggest needs in 2018 NFL Draft, pre-free agency

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BLACKSBURG, VA – OCTOBER 28: Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds #49 and safety Reggie Floyd #21 of the Virginia Tech Hokies tackle running back Shaun Wilson #29 of the Duke Blue Devils in the first half at Lane Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /

2. Edge Rusher

The Jets edge defenders we sub-par in 2017. They only totaled five sacks all together by the end of the season. As a unit they were below average at getting to the quarterback too. According to Pro Football Focus Elite, as a team, they had a pass rush productivity of 8.9, and the league average was 9.7. Only one player was above league the league average. Jordan Jenkins had the most pressure with 30, and that was good for only 25th in the NFL.

Not getting to the quarterback allows a quarterback to scan the entire field and go through his progressions comfortably. It also puts a heavy burden on the coverage, because then they must cover longer, and eventually someone will get open the longer the coverage lasts.

We are enamored by sack numbers, but forcing quarterbacks into bad decisions by just getting in their faces can disrupt any passing game. Also hitting the quarterback can disrupt the rhythm and timing of the other team’s offense as well. The Jets need to do a better job at sacks, hurries, and QB hits in 2018, and the best way to that is get a consistent edge presence who will relentlessly attack the quarterback.

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