Jets offseason roster analysis, Part 2: The defense

Aaron Glenn said calling the defense is his “superpower.” He has to prove it now.

The Jets’ defensive performance last season was a bad optic for a defensive-minded coach. They were next-to-last in points allowed, gave up at least four touchdowns in seven games and were the first NFL team to go an entire season without an interception.

Glenn will wear two hats this season as head coach and defensive play caller. He emphasized adding veteran leadership and depth to this side of the football. The Jets also used the No. 2 pick in the draft on Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey, who should help a defense that generated very little pressure last season.

Here’s a closer look at their current defensive roster:

DEFENSIVE LINE

Returning: Will McDonald, Harrison Phillips, Jowon Briggs, Braiden McGregor, Mazi Smith, Tyler Baron, Eric Watts, Payton Page, Kingsley Jonathan

Additions: David Bailey (R), T’Vondre Sweat, Joseph Ossai, David Onyemata, Kingsley Enagbare, Darrell Jackson Jr. (R).

Evaluation: The Jets should have a solid defensive line rotation whether they play a three-, four- or five-man front. Glenn plans to use multiple looks with this deep, versatile group in hopes of making the quarterback uncomfortable. Bailey did that plenty in college and the Jets are confident the rookie’s pass-rush skills will translate to the NFL. Bailey’s 14.5 sacks last year were tied for the most in the FBS. The Jets finished next-to-last in sacks last season with 26. 

Bailey and McDonald can use their quick get-offs and athleticism to get to the passer. They will garner a lot of attention on the edge, which should free up interior linemen Phillips, Briggs, Sweat and Onyemata. Ossai was one of the Jets’ big free-agent signings. He played mostly on the edge for the Bengals, but he slid inside some. Ossai can be effective against the pass and run. Sweat, acquired from Tennessee for Jermaine Johnson, is a run stuffer. The Jets allowed the fourth-most rushing yards last season (139.5).

LINEBACKER

Returning: Jamien Sherwood, Marcello McCrary-Ball, Kiko Mauigoa, Mykal Walker, Kobe King

Additions: Demario Davis

Evaluation: Davis is back with the Jets for the third time and might end up being their most important free-agent signing. They needed a respected, productive leader in the middle of their defense like they had in C.J. Mosley. Davis is that type of player and presence, a proven linebacker who can diagnose a formation quickly and make sure everyone is in the right spot. Sherwood played that role last season after signing a three-year, $45 million extension. His 154 tackles led the Jets, but Sherwood, a candidate to be traded, didn’t stand out with the extra responsibilities on his plate. There were breakdowns throughout, which led to defensive coordinator Steve Wilks being fired with three games remaining. It was a disappointing season all around for what many thought would be a strong defense. The Jets are looking to rebound with Glenn running the defense and Davis the coach on the field.

CORNERBACK

Returning: Brandon Stephens, Azareye’h Thomas, Jarvis Brownlee, Qwan’tez Stiggers, Jordan Clark, Samuel Womack

Additions: Nahshon Wright, D’Angelo Ponds (R), Tre Brown

Evaluation: There has to be an interception or two in this group. Has to be. They signed Wright, whose five interceptions for Chicago last year tied for the second most in the league. Glenn’s philosophy of throwing different looks at the quarterback could lead to more hurried throws and mistakes and perhaps takeaways. That’s the plan at least.

Stephens showed improvement in coverage as the season went on, as did Thomas. He got valuable experience as a rookie after Sauce Gardner was traded.

Ponds, who has been compared to Glenn, played nickelback and outside corner at Indiana. Undersized, but tough, Ponds could earn his way on the field as a rookie. Brownlee can deliver big hits if he can stay healthy and cut down on penalties, but his spot as a nickelback isn’t guaranteed with some of the Jets’ additions.

SAFETY

Returning: Malachi Moore, Andre Cisco, Dean Clark, Jarius Monroe

Additions: Minkah Fitzpatrick, Dane Belton, VJ Payne (R)

Evaluation: Trading for Fitzpatrick was a move similar to signing Davis. Fitzpatrick, a five-time Pro Bowler, is a leader in the back end who can get guys in the proper coverage. The Jets could move Fitzpatrick around from safety to nickelback to playing on the line. He was used that way in Miami, where new Jets defensive coordinator Brian Duker was passing game coordinator and secondary coach. Cisco re-signed after an injury in Week 8 ended his season. The Jets were high on Cisco’s leadership and playmaking ability before his injury. Cisco, Belton and Moore likely will compete for the second safety position, but this also could be a rotation depending on how Fitzpatrick is used.