The New York Jets performed well on Saturday night, and head coach Robert Saleh took notice of some specific players.
During his post-game media availability, Saleh spoke highly about edge rusher Takk McKinley and defensive tackle Leonard Taylor III. McKinley had 2.5 sacks in Saturday’s win, while Taylor contributed 1.5 sacks (three half-sacks).
Regarding McKinley, Saleh said he has a “first-round pedigree” and that “it takes some time” for some players to break out at the NFL level.
“I’ve always said it; it just takes guys some time, sometimes for one reason or another. A lot of times, they have to find themselves, and I feel like he’s in a really good place right now, both physically and mentally. I thought he did a really nice job during training camp,” said Saleh.
“To his credit, he stayed in shape, he got the opportunity in minicamp, was really impressive. [We] brought him in, and he’s attacked it from there. So, credit to him. Like I said, he’s always had the physical tools. It was always just a matter of him getting to the right place mentally, and I feel like he’s in that spot right now.”
On Taylor III, Saleh credited his development over the past few weeks.
“He’s really come along the last couple of weeks. Obviously, he’s still a rookie and has a long way to go. But definitely over the last couple of weeks, I thought he’s done a really nice job.”
He also spoke about how the Jets are in a position to take a shot on a player like Taylor, who did not pan out in college after having a high recruiting pedigree.
“It’s sink or swim right now because you’re surrounded by so many guys who love the game of football. He’d be an example of a young man who maybe didn’t get it, and then he sees how these guys work, and he sees Quinnen [Williams] and Jermaine [Johnson] and Clem [Micheal Clemons] and everybody in that D-line room, [Javon] Kinlaw. I can go through the entire group. You can’t match the intensity and effort level in that D-line room. So, credit to him, it took a little bit, but as I said, he’s doing his best to figure it out, and we’ll see how things go over the next couple of days.”
It is no secret that the Jets have a deep defensive line, whether at the edge or on the interior. McKinley and Taylor are two prominent examples of that depth, especially this preseason.
McKinley has been a force of a pass rusher, especially on Saturday against the Giants. Taylor has won swiftly as a pass rusher while also making multiple plays against the run.
New York has some tough decisions to make in the coming days, but based on their talent and production, McKinley and Taylor should have a great shot at making the team.
