Two members of the New York Jets are entering 2018 training camp with watchful eyes on them, and Jordan Jenkins and Darron Lee should swap positions.
The 2018 NFL Draft came and went, and the New York Jets got their quarterback of the future. However one thing seemed to be missing from that draft on the defensive side of the ball. They didn’t draft an edge rusher, even though their was some talent available for them in the third round.
The was a bone of contention for the fans and media. Many people were upset that they came away with no upgrade to the offensive line or at edge rusher. There’s a chance, though, that they could upgrade edge rusher without the draft or free agency, though.
Maybe it’s time for a new edge rusher and inside linebacker. In 2016, when they were both rookies, when the Jets gave Jordan Jenkins some responsibility in pass coverage, he excelled, and then his production dipped last year when he was given less of an opportunity in that role. Last year, despite having a limited pass rush role, Darron Lee did well in that role.
According to Pro football Focus, in 2016, in limited pass coverage, Jenkins only allowed eight targets and six receptions in 85 snaps in coverage. Among the 3-4 outside linebackers with 80 or more coverage snaps, he led the league in coverage snaps per target, yards per coverage snap, and coverage snaps per reception. Last year when they limited his coverage to 67 snaps, all three of those categories went up.
Last year, Lee showed improvement in coverage, but he also showed he was a viable pass rusher in limited role. The Jets only gave him 10.1 percent of the snaps (55 total snaps) to rush the passer, but he recorded a Pass Rush Productivity (via PFF) of 14.5. His productivity also was higher compared to 2016, when he was only given 44 total snaps as a pass rusher.
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Both players have been more productive in the role the other player was drafted for the more opportunities they’ve been given. So, it’s time to go back to the drawing board for Kacy Rodgers and Todd Bowles, and change their roles on this team. Lee and Jenkins need to swap positions. Move Jenkins inside to cover more, and move Lee to the outside where he can be used as a pass rusher. The time is now.