5 defensive players Jets need to watch at Combine
The Jets defense made significant improvement from 2021 as they went from 32nd in the league to fourth in total defense and points allowed this season. Now, they will look to continue to add young pieces to an explosive unit that was led by young stars in defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and cornerback Sauce Gardner, who were both first-team All-Pros last season.
The next big event on the NFL’s offseason calendar is next week’s Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Here are the five defensive players the Jets should watch at the combine.
BRIAN BRANCH, SAFETY, ALABAMA
Branch could be Gang Green’s first pick off the board at No. 13, as they have a significant need at safety. He has everything NFL teams want in a defensive back.
Branch’s special skill is his versatility as he primarily played in nickel coverage at Alabama. However, he has the skill set to handle both single-high or traditional safety duties.
Not only is Branch a flat-out ballhawk, but he has the ideal size and speed to be successful on the NFL level at 6-0, 200 pounds. During his junior season at Alabama, Branch recorded 90 tackles (14 for a loss), three sacks and two interceptions.
Jordan Whitehead and Lamarcus Joyner struggled at the safety position last season as both allowed big plays and struggled in coverage. Adding a player like Branch would instantly strengthen their secondary while providing Gardner and D.J. Reed an extra layer of security in pass coverage.
KEEANU BENTON, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, WISCONSIN
Benton turned some heads during the Senior Bowl four weeks ago. He will look to continue improving his draft stock during the combine with another solid showing.
At 6-3, 312 pounds, Benton is a powerful defensive tackle with excellent size and a tremendous motor. While at Wisconsin, Benton also often demonstrated quickness at the point of attack.
In four seasons with the Badgers, Benton register 81 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and nine sacks.
Sheldon Rankins, who has been a leader on the Jets’ defense for the last two seasons, is a free agent and the team could use some more youth alongside Williams. Benton would be an excellent addition as he could improve the run defense up the middle.
NOAH SEWELL, LINEBACKER, OREGON
Sewell was once projected as a first-round pick and maybe the first linebacker selected in April’s draft. However, after a disappointing 2022 season, Sewell is now considered a second or thirdround pick.
Sewell is an inside linebacker who led Oregon’s defense the last two seasons. He has excellent power and can shed blockers at the point of attack, but his speed is a question mark. During the combine, Sewell can silence his critics with a great 40-yard dash time.
In 2021, Sewell registered 114 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss with four sacks and one interception for the Ducks. He was less effective in Dan Lanning’s 4-2-5 scheme as he had 56 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks in 2022.
Sewell is better than he played last season and the Jets could get a steal and find their potential middle linebacker of the future. Although C.J. Mosley is still productive and playing at an All-Pro level, he will be 31 and is scheduled to make $21.4 million in 2023.
CAM JONES, LINEBACKER, INDIANA
Jones is a physical linebacker who can be a plus in the running game for the Jets should they select him. He is a fast, explosive player who can play as both an outside linebacker and also as a middle linebacker.
In five seasons for the Hoosiers, Jones registered 204 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks and two interceptions. Both Quincy Williams and Kwon Alexander are impending free agents in March. Jones could be a solid replacement for either player while getting younger at the linebacker position.
JL SKINNER III, SAFETY, BOISE STATE
Skinner is a safety the Jets could target on the draft’s third day. He is slender at 6-4, 218 pounds, but don’t let that fool you. Skinner is an asset in both pass coverage and stopping the run.
During his senior season at Boise State, Skinner finished with 65 tackles and four interceptions. Skinner does an excellent job of reading and reacting to the ball in pass coverage. He also showed regularly at Boise State that he loves to come down and help in run situations, as shown by his 7.5 tackles for loss the last two years.
Don’t be surprised if the Jets double up on safeties in the draft considering it was a weakness defensive last year.