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10 NFL players on new teams who will shine in 2021

By Randy Gurzi

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Julio Jones (2) stretches during practice at Saint Thomas Sports Park Thursday, June 10, 2021 in Nashville, Tenn.Nas 0610 Titans 005
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Julio Jones (2) stretches during practice at Saint Thomas Sports Park Thursday, June 10, 2021 in Nashville, Tenn.Nas 0610 Titans 005 /
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NFL 2021
Dec 21, 2020; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carl Lawson (58) reacts while running onto the field prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Carl Lawson, EDGE, New York Jets

The New York Jets made arguably the best head coaching hire in the offseason when they brought in Robert Saleh. In recent years, the best coaches seem to be the younger ones who have been great as coordinators. See Kyle Shanahan, Matt LaFleur, Sean McVay, Kevin Stefanski, etc. for examples. There are some coaches who get a second chance that thrive such as Bruce Arians, Ron Rivera, and Andy Reid but overall, the younger coaches with something to prove have been winning.

Saleh falls into that category as the former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator needs to prove he can make the leap from defensive play-caller to the big boss. His resume is impressive and the players love him, but he has his work cut out for him in New York.

So far, he seems to have a great plan and is adding the right pieces. One of those is defensive end Carl Lawson, who they signed to a three-year, $45 million contract this offseason. New York already has a great line with Quinnen Williams in the middle but they needed someone who can come off the edge and take down the quarterback.

Lawson will be able to do that and in Saleh’s defense, he should start to become a more consistent player as he lives up to the lofty expectations that have been placed on him.

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