5 most important players on the Jets defense in 2025
That responsibility belongs to new head coach Aaron Glenn and his hand-picked defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. Notable changes have been made to the defensive scheme.
Jets Wire identified the five-most important players on the Jets' defense heading into 2025.
CB Sauce Gardner
Sauce Gardner is among the game's premier cornerbacks, but critics largely agree 2024 wasn't his best season. The former Cincinnati standout will continue being relied on to eliminate half the field. Gardner is a legitimate shutdown cornerback, but game-to-game consistency will be a bigger focus in 2025.
EDGE Will McDonald IV
Will McDonald IV broke out as a sophomore in 2024, totaling a team-high 10.5 sacks. He justified the Jets' once-controversial decision to select him at No. 15 overall. With injuries and depth questions at EDGE, the Jets require a repeat performance from McDonald.
DT Quinnen Williams
Quinnen Williams wasn't as effective in 2024. The typically dominant three-tech recorded his fewest tackles (37) since his 2019 rookie season (28). Williams' pass-rush-win-rate also dropped roughly five points, per Pro Football Focus. Coach Glenn will attempt to fully unlock his abilities.
LB Jamien Sherwood
Linebacker Jamien Sherwood was among the Jets' biggest pleasant surprises in 2024. The 2021 fifth-round pick recorded a workhorse 158 tackles, tying for third in the NFL in that department. The Jets signed Sherwood to a three-year extension worth $45 million earlier this offseason, so it's fair to say they bought into his breakout season.
EDGE Jermaine Johnson
Jermaine Johnson is attempting to recover from a brutal season-ending Achilles injury suffered in Week 2. New general manager Darren Mougey made the decision to exercise his fifth-year option despite the uncertainty. Johnson has been rehabbing vigorously this offseason and hopes to bounce back in 2025.
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