The New York Jets‘ defensive line did not meet expectations throughout 2024. A significant blow was delivered early in the season when Jermaine Johnson II suffered a season-ending injury in Week 2. From there, stars like Quinnen Williams didn’t play to their performance ceiling.
The Athletic recently posed one lingering question for all 32 teams in the league heading into training camp. For the Jets, local reporter Zack Rosenblatt is asking tough questions about the Jets’ depth across their defensive line.
One lingering question for every NFL team as the league’s summer break begins https://t.co/h3xyLdwYQ3
— The Athletic NFL (@TheAthleticNFL) June 30, 2025
“When the Jets defense was at its best under Robert Saleh, the defensive line dominated up front with a deep bench of pass rushers, both from the edge and the interior,” Rosenblatt wrote. “They lacked that in 2024, and an argument could be made that the depth has actually gotten worse this offseason, at least on paper. At defensive end, Will McDonald (10.5 sacks) is coming off a breakout season but still has a lot to prove as a run stopper. Jermaine Johnson is coming off an Achilles injury, likely won’t be ready for the start of training camp and it’s unclear yet if he’ll be the same player coming off the injury.”
Rosenblatt brings up fair points. McDonald is still a developing rusher and must repeat last season’s success while becoming a more well-rounded defender to fully buy into his breakout. Achilles injuries are brutal and Johnson must prove capable of getting past that setback. It’s no guarantee.
Depth behind them isn’t present.
“The top backups are Micheal Clemons, who was out of his element as a full-time player last year; Rashad Weaver, who has zero sacks since 2022; fifth-round rookie Tyler Baron and both Eric Watts and Braiden McGregor, who combined for zero sacks in 364 snaps last year,” Rosenblatt continued. “At defensive tackle, the options next to Quinnen Williams won’t exactly scare anyone: Byron Cowart, Jay Tuefele, Leonard Taylor III, Phidarian Mathis and some undrafted rookies.”
New head coach Aaron Glenn must maximize the talent available to him.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: The Athletic: New York Jets have questions across defensive line