New York Jets 2019 Player Profile: C.J. Mosley, Linebacker

The New York Jets inked linebacker C.J. Mosley to a five-year, $85 million contract in March, and we take a look at his 2019 player profile.

What kind of player did New York Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan get when he signed inside linebacker C.J. Mosley to a five-year, $85 million contract at the start of free agency? What kind of early Christmas present did he hand new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams?

The University of Alabama product is a four-time Pro Bowler and considered one of the premier inside linebackers in the league. He averaged 119 tackles in his five seasons with the Baltimore Ravens with nine interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), 8.5 sacks, 35 passes defensed and six forced fumbles. Mosley is not going to remind anyone of Lawrence Taylor, but he’s not that kind of linebacker/edge rusher. Taylor was one of a kind.

The 6-2, 241-pounder will team with Avery Williamson at right inside linebacker to give Gang Green two of the finest inside linebackers in the NFL. The Jets ranked 26th against the run in 2018, allowing 126.3 yards per game. Adding Mosley will only help.

Let’s take a look at some of the Mosley’s highlights from last season:

The Theodore, AL native, as the video clearly shows, is a superior athlete with excellent instincts and lateral quickness. He is superb in dropping back into pass coverage and covering either a tight end or slot receiver.

Mosley has excellent hands and open-field tackling ability. He’s durable and owns a live motor. He or Williamson are both capable of calling the defensive signals as the quarterback of the defense, so to speak, on the field.

A few more pounds of muscle on Mosley via the weight room will aid him against the rush, but he doesn’t want to get too muscle-bound. His game is speed and pursuit. The NFL is a passing league and the Jets are counting on their new prize acquisition to be a premier cover linebacker and run defender.

There will be a lot of pressure on Mosley to live up to this huge contract. He’ll be 27 years old this coming season so he’s still in his prime. Gang Green should expect nothing less than another Pro Bowl-level performance from Mosley in 2019.