New York Jets: Top 5 offseason additions, post 2018 NFL Draft

LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 10: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins celebrates a third quarter touchdown with teammates tackle Trent Williams #71 and guard Spencer Long #61 against the Green Bay Packers during the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at FedExField on January 10, 2016 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

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at Soldier Field on November 27, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. The Titans defeated the Bears 27-21. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

1. Avery Williamson, ILB (from Tennessee Titans)

Surprise? Yes, the New York Jets have a lot of questions when it comes to the offensive side of the ball. But this was a defensive unit that has had its shortcomings this past season as well. This is a club built to be formidable when it comes to stopping the opposition and Todd Bowles’ squad fell very short of expectations in 2017.

It was a unit that would undergo some big changes heading into the season. The Jets opted to deal defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson to the Seattle Seahawks. Thanks to the first two rounds of the draft, the club would start a pair of rookie safeties in Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye. All told, this group would have its ups and downs but those lessons may pay off this upcoming year.

Bowles hopes to see his defense make improvements after a showing that saw them finish 25th in the league in total yards allowed per game — including 24th vs. the run. New York surrendered a disappointing 43 offensive touchdowns, including 30 through the air. But it was that failure to consistently stop teams on the ground that was most disturbing. And losing underrated inside linebacker Demario Davis to the New Orleans Saints in free agency this offseason certainly doesn’t help.

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Hence general manager Mike Maccagnan’s decision to sign Avery Williamson away from the Tennessee Titans is a big-time move. He will team inside with promising Darron Lee and the duo will also benefit from the addition of veteran Kevin Minter — late of the Arizona Cardinals. Williamson led his club twice in tackles in four seasons in Nashville and finished second in the team in stops in 2017. All told, the 26-year old performer is an ideal replacement for Davis.

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