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The New York Jets were successful a couple of years ago thanks to a defense that ranked near the top of the league. Rex Ryan's squad has lost a bit of that intimidation and finished 20th in scoring defense in each of the last two years, and with the probable departure of cornerback Darrelle Revis, the Jets will need to act fast if they are going to improve the unit next year.
That could start with the ninth pick in April's draft, and possibly finding the pass rusher they've been missing.
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Rookie Quinton Coples led the Jets in sacks last year but had just 5.5 of his own. Muhammad Wilkerson was second with five. Those two players provide a nice, young core in the front seven, but won't nearly be enough if New York wants to become a top five scoring defense and intimidate opposing quarterbacks. That's where they could be looking to draft Dion Jordan out of Oregon, if he happens to fall past the top eight. Pete Prisco of CBS Sports projects Jordan to the Jets in his latest mock draft:
At some point, they have to get an edge rusher who can change the game
Indeed they do, Pete! Coples and Wilkerson would pair nicely with Jordan, who had an excellent showing at the combine to improve his stock, but will New York be lucky enough to see him fall? Or could they go another direction entirely?
Yes.
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