The Jets run defense finishes top twelve in the NFL

The New York Jets were No. 24 in the NFL in run defense last season, allowing 117.9 rushing yards per game. They lost Muhammad Wilkerson in the ensuing offseason, but they made a number of key additions that could help them forget about his departure sooner, rather than later.

On the defensive line, the Jets don’t have a player that matches Wilkerson’s pedigree, aside from Leonard Williams, but in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Jets nabbed two high-upside players in the middle-to-late rounds, picking up Nathan Shepherd from Fort Hays State and Folorunso Fatukasi of Connecticut.

The aforementioned rookies both have great measurables, and they should be able to impact the game early as solid depth players. With Steve McLendon, Mike Pennel, and Henry Anderson joining the first-year players to bolster the ranks, the Jets quietly have a deep defensive line that should remain sturdy against the run.

The defensive line won’t be alone, either. Jamal Adams is a strong, physical box safety with elite potential heading into his sophomore season, and Avery Williamson, in the linebacking core, will help immensely. Per Mike Nash of The Jets Wire, Williamson was the No. 25 best linebacker in the NFL last year when it came to run defense, actively making a stop on 8.8 percent of opposing rushing downs. With a well-rounded, stingy defensive cast ready to step up in 2018, the Jets can at least double their effectiveness against the run, and finish top twelve in run defense by year’s end.

Speaking of Avery Williamson…

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