New York Jets: 4 Defensive linemen to target in 2018 NFL Draft

The New York Jets need to add depth along their defensive line. Here are four players they should consider selecting in the 2018 NFL Draft.

The 2018 NFL Draft is quickly approaching and the New York Jets have some very important decisions to make. They have many holes to fill on both sides of the football. Gang Green certainly needs an influx of talent along the defensive line. They have to roster players that can get to the quarterback and help collapse the pocket. The Jets could use another run stuffer as well.

Now that Kirk Cousins has signed with Minnesota, New York should use their first round pick (number six overall) on one of the four highly touted quarterback prospects.

Let’s take a look at four defensive linemen general manager Mike Maccagnan should consider in next month’s draft. He has more flexibility this year with two second round picks (Nos. 37 and 49 overall):

Rasheem Green, DE, USC: The 6-5, 275-pounder was a first-team All-Pac 12 selection for the Trojans last year. He paced his squad with 10 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss and he has the potential to be a disruptive force on the NFL level. He’s just 20 years old so he needs to improve his strength and balance at the point of attack. That will come with time.

What the Los Angeles, CA native does have is an explosive burst on the snap and the ability to use his long arms to knock down pass attempts (he had four pass deflections) and disrupt the quarterback. Green’s ceiling is very high and he should be an impact starter in the NFL sooner rather than later. (Projected round: 2)

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Kemoko Turay, Edge, Rutgers: A native of Guinea (West Africa), the 6-5, 252-pounder played just one year of high school football. He burst on the scene for the Scarlet Knights in 2014 by earning Freshman All-American honors with 7.5 sacks and three blocked kicks. An outstanding athlete, Turay was a triple jump and long jump champion in high school.

He recorded 65 tackles (seven for loss), four sacks, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble in nine starts last season. Turay explodes off the line and has superb lateral quickness. He has all the attributes necessary to be a dynamic pass rusher on the NFL level in the next few years. (Projected round: 3)

Kendrick Norton, DT, Miami: The 6-3, 312-pounder is the son of Raiders defensive coordinator Ken Norton, Jr. and the grandson of former heavyweight boxing champ Ken Norton Sr. Norton was an honorable mention All-ACC selection during his junior year in 2017. He started 12 games and recorded 26 tackles (6.5 for loss) and added a pair of sacks. He’s not an immediate NFL starter but would provide Gang Green with some solid depth.

He’s known as being very stout against the run, someone who can eat up gap space. Norton is not a gifted pass rusher though and he has to improve his balance and lateral quickness. He’s very strong though and is hard to double team. Norton is a bit of a project at this point in time but he does have the potential to be a starter a few years down the road. He’d be an excellent value pick on day three of the draft. (Projected round: 4)

Next: NFL Power Rankings: Cousins, free agency change things

Marcell Frazier, DE, Missouri: A second-team All-SEC selection last year, Frazier completed his senior season with 40 tackles (15.5 for loss), five pass breakups and seven sacks in 13 games for the Tigers. The 6-5, 255-pounder is known for having a live motor and quick burst off the snap. He uses effective jab and swim moves to pressure the quarterback.

His balance and tackling technique could use improvement. He’ll be a willing student on the next level. The Portland, Oregon native will add quality depth to a roster as a backup in his rookie campaign. However, Frazier has the athleticism to eventually become a starter in the NFL. It may take a few seasons though. (Projected round: 5)

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