New York Jets: Early 53-man roster, depth chart prediction 2018
Defensive Line
Defensive Line: Leonard Williams, Mike Pennel, Folorunso Fatukasi, Henry Anderson, Nathan Shepherd, Steve McLendon
As ESPN’s Rich Cimini told us, before OTAs, we should expect quite a few double teams heading the way of Leonard Williams, because many teams won’t respect the edge rushers or other defensive linemen the Jets have. After a few games, the Jets opponents will realize, it becomes a pick your poison affair, especially in the run game.
The additions of Anderson and Fatukasi add some stout run protectors, according to Pro Football Focus.
New #Jets DL Henry Anderson has been a productive player when healthy. His 2015 grade of 82.9 was the sixth-highest by rookie 3-4 defensive end in the PFF era https://t.co/CoZ0GUSE1T
— PFF NY Jets (@PFF_Jets) April 28, 2018
With their second pick a row, the Jets add some help on the defensive interior with UConn's Folorunso Fatukasi, who ranked 30th in run-stop percentage among draft-eligible interior defenders in 2017 (8.0)
— PFF (@PFF) April 28, 2018
Also, Fatukasi and Williams provide the Jets with versatility. They can play anywhere on the inside (from 0-3 technique).
In fact, the double teams will only help the young players grow. Their roles will become more defines, and being in one-on-one battles in the trenches will only spur a growth spurt with the talent they already possess, and it may deter future double teams, which will only help Williams later in the season.
In the end, this line (combined with the coverage) will provide the linebackers time to get to the quarterback, and it will allow Todd Bowles and Kacy Rodgers to be more creative in their blitz packages. Thus, improving the pass rush from 2017 without getting additional sacks from the front three.