New York Jets 2018 NFL Draft Targets: Dorance Armstrong

The New York Jets traded up to No. 3 overall, presumably to land the guy they believe to be their franchise quarterback, but there are some good edge rushers on Day 2 they should look at, and Dorance Armstrong is one of them.

Let’s start with the first thing fans of the New York Jets will look at, and that’s the numbers for Dorance Armstrong Jr. He went from 20 tackles for loss to 10 and 10 sacks to two from 2016 to 2017. So alarm bells may be going off in your head, but the stat sheet doesn’t show you something.

The Kansas Jayhawks changed their scheme and, subsequently, his role in it. So, that is clearly the reason for his dip in production. He needs a permanent move to 3-4 outside linebacker to show what he’s capable of.

Armstrong is more than just a pass rusher in that capacity, but his skills as a pass rusher are what stand out. He’s explosive, can fight well with his hands, and able to hit a second gear. His effort also doesn’t change from play to play.

When it comes to run defense, he’s a guy you want setting the edge. Armstrong is able to release, chase down runners, and limit their gains beyond the line of scrimmage. He has a decent spin move. However, Armstrong will going to have to develop more moves to get away from blocks.

He’s not a pass rush specialist, though. He’s capable in coverage and forcing turnovers. Armstrong had eight passes defended and six forced fumbles in his career.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Post-free agency 3 rounds

All in all, Armstrong is a capable defender against the run, and a good to great pass rusher. That’s precisely what the Jets need in a guy who will set the edge for them in 2018. They need a guy who can get to the quarterback when the ends give them a lane, and a guy who can help funnel the run to the middle. Armstrong can do that.