Players
Starter(s)
LB C.J. Mosley
LB Quincy Williams
Depth Players
LB Jackson Sirmon
LB Jamien Sherwood
LB Jamin Davis
LB Jimmy Ciarlo
LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball
LB Rashad Weaver
LB Sam Eguavoen
LB Zaire Barnes
Coaches
The Breakdown
Before the 2023 season, this group was a major concern of mine on the defensive side of the ball. However, the ascension of Quincy Williams to an All-Pro OLB has drastically changed that. The reality is that there isn’t a weak unit on this defense. Robert Saleh and Jeff Ulbrich have built elite units at all three levels, and with an almost certain leap on the offensive side of the ball, it will be entertaining to see what the defense can do when they actually play with a lead.
This Linebacking group is led by CJ Mosley and his importance as the quarterback of the defense can’t be understated. He is the heart and soul of the entire unit and is relied upon to get his teammates in the right position. Quincy Williams has established himself as the best off-ball linebacker in the NFL not named Fred Warner. With his aggressive style of play, sideline to sideline speed, ability to close against the run and defend the pass, he has really eliminated any question mark from his game. And, if you have watched any of “One Jets Drive” this summer, you can see him taking on a leadership role.
The main concern of this group has to be the age of CJ Mosley and whether he will take a step back physically at 32 years old. While he hasn’t shown signs of it yet, at some point it has to happen. While I am encouraged at the development of Jamien Sherwood, it remains to be seen whether or not he can actually perform simply because he hasn’t seen the field much. However, when it comes to this coaching staff you have to trust their judgment and ability to develop players.
The Prediction
CJ Mosley shows minor signs of slowing down but the continued ascension and development of Quincy Williams is enough to more than make up for it. The expected jump from the offense (and no more races to 20) allowing them to play with a lead, coupled with an improved pass rush with Jermaine Johnson, Quinnen Williams, Will McDonald and (hopefully) Haason Reddick will enable this unit to play more aggressively and make some more game-changing plays. Quincy Williams will be an All-Pro again, Mosley will regress a bit physically but will make up for it with the mental part of his game, and Sherwood takes a slight step forward with some additional playing time.