The Jets parted ways with their sacks leader, traded their most versatile defensive lineman and have not yet practiced with their big pass-rush acquisition.
Not exactly the expected recipe for creating the best defensive line in the league, which is the label that NFL Network film guru Brian Baldinger recently gave to the Jets on the “Green Light with Chris Long” podcast.
So, why the hype?
Start with the developmental strides in technique, pad level and explosion made by 2022 first-round draft pick Jermaine Johnson as an edge complement to two-time Pro Bowl tackle Quinnen Williams.
Add in the internal optimism that there is another Johnson in the making with 2023 first-rounder Will McDonald.
“Just really trying to be an apex predator,” Johnson said. “Do power at an extremely high level, finesse at an extremely high level, and really put [offensive] tackles in a bind. Just all-around dominating everything is where my head is.”
The core of the Jets’ defense is the same as last season — eight of the nine players who logged at least 650 snaps are back — but the pass rush will look different.
Can it be as effective as 2023, when the Jets ranked No. 2 in the NFL by hurrying quarterbacks on 10.1 percent of dropbacks despite the second-lowest blitz percentage (16.3)?
Johnson, who “can do it all really well,” in coordinator Jeff Ulbrich’s words, could be tasked with the added responsibility of sliding inside to get more speed on the field on third downs, as John Franklin-Myers previously did.
Franklin-Myers (14 quarterback hits) was dealt to the Broncos, Bryce Huff (10.5 sacks) and Quinton Jefferson (six sacks) signed elsewhere in free agency, and Carl Lawson (seven sacks in 2022) remains unsigned.
The departures are an obvious vote of confidence in Johnson to take the next step from 7.5 sacks after a strong finish to his second season. Maybe in McDonald, too.
“My ceiling, I just keep raising it,” Johnson said. “I don’t think I’ll ever reach it because when I reach my goals I just keep aiming higher and higher and higher. I was taught to go until the wheels fall off and make the most out of God’s gifts. That’s my goal.”
The Jets paired Johnson with Haason Reddick — whose tape Williams, Huff and Johnson studied for pointers last season — via trade with the Eagles.
But Reddick (50.5 sacks in his last 66 games) was a no-show for voluntary OTAs and mandatory minicamp.
The ripple effect created more reps for McDonald, who played sparingly as a rookie but could determine whether Reddick is in the Jets’ long-term plans with his own growth. Reddick is seeking an extension entering his contract year.
“To see him now a little bit more settled, a little bit more focused, deeper understanding of what it takes to be successful in this league,” Ulbrich said of McDonald. “I’m very excited for him.”
The 6-foot-4, 236-pound McDonald was a healthy scratch twice but registered 2.5 sacks over the last five games as his snaps increased. The defensive line’s depth, including Micheal Clemons, Solomon Thomas and newcomers Javon Kinlaw and Leki Fotu, isn’t going to shield McDonald again if he doesn’t make more plays.
“He’s gotten stronger,” head coach Robert Saleh said. “He has a slight frame — that’s his makeup — but you can see his strength. We can’t see all the physicality because it’s a little bit more tempered [in non-contact practices], but I think he’s put in a good offseason. These next [weeks] are big for him, and we’ll see when pads come on.”
Johnson’s fire was lit at this time last year because he was unsatisfied with his rookie production, especially compared to draft classmates Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall.
“They [were] making huge plays for the team. I didn’t feel like I was able to do that,” Johnson said. “I felt like I need to lift my side of the couch. With that came more playing time, and then I was able to, I feel, maximize my playing time.”
It is tempting to assume McDonald will follow Johnson’s path with a second-year breakout. It is no guarantee.
“First-round draft pick, edge rusher — eyes are on you. He knows that,” Johnson said. “Nobody can put more pressure on Will than himself. I know he’s been working his butt off. He looks good. He’s in a good frame of mind right now.”
Come training camp it will be up to Johnson and McDonald to put the departures of Huff, Franklin-Myers, Jefferson and Lawson out of everyone’s mind.
