The New York Jets have loaded up on defensive line depth — in an unprecedented way.
According to Connor Hughes of SNY, undrafted free agents Leonard Taylor III, Braiden McGregor, and Eric Watts all made the team’s initial 53-man roster. Hughes also added that veteran edge rusher Takk McKinley made it, presumably bringing the Jets to 11 defensive linemen.
Can't remember last time you could say this about a team: Per sources, the #Jets are keeping 3 UDFA defensive linemen on their initial 53. Very unheard of.
Eric Watts (UConn), Leonard Taylor (Miami) & Braiden McGregor (Michigan). Testament to those three guys. Also a sign #NYJ… pic.twitter.com/jeoQqyS6am
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) August 27, 2024
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That number excludes Haason Reddick, whose looming return could push one of the edge rushers from the team. It’s unknown which edge rusher that would be.
Until then, it is impressive that three UDFAs and one free-agent flier made the team out of the preseason.
McKinley, McGregor, and Taylor looked dominant at times in preseason games. McKinley showcased an all-around skill set that could be successful as a pass rusher or a run defender. McGregor showed a great power rush skillset that could be valuable in the coming years. Taylor had stretches of being unblockable, blowing past pass blockers or run defenders to make big plays.
Even Watts, who had no big preseason games, showed a nice skill set and potential in practice. The Jets like his profile as a bigger edge defender who can stop the run in their base defense and power rush the quarterback.
It is a huge credit to the Jets for finding four possible contributors on the defensive line. Along with their linebacker and cornerback development, it is clear that Joe Douglas, Robert Saleh, and their staff have a system in place to identify and develop defensive talent.
How much these players will contribute in 2024 remains to be seen. But for both the present and the future, it is a coup for the Jets to find this much rosterable talent on the defensive line.
