New York Jets reset with Trevor Lawrence in September 2021 mock draft

If we’re being honest, the New York Jets defense never stood a chance this season. After trading away Jamal Adams and with linebacker C.J. Mosley opting out of the 2020 season, arguably the top two playmakers on that side of the ball were gone. And while much of that was out of their control given all of the circumstances, it also speaks to a core issue with this roster.

That, of course, is the overall lack of playmakers on defense. And that isn’t more evident anywhere than on the edge. New York has been lacking a consistent pass rush from their outside linebackers in their 3-4 base scheme for as long as recent memory allows. In the modern NFL and pass-happy offenses, not being able to get after quarterbacks consistently is a severe issue.

Clearly, that has to change and Quincy Roche is a fantastic addition to accomplish that, especially at the end of the first round. The Miami product entered the year figuring to be a complement to projected top-10 pick Gregory Rousseau but, with Rousseau opting out, Roche has been in full focus and has lived up to his potential thus far.

Through three games this season with the undefeated Hurricanes, Roche has been a force with 2.0 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss. He’s been a game-wrecking force off the edge with his explosiveness and suddenness getting off the line and after quarterbacks. If he can add a little bit of weight to his frame, he’s the star pass-rusher the Jets have been lacking for so long.