Contrary to popular opinion, New York Jets fans should not be concerned at all about the team’s defensive line entering the 2025 season, according to linebacker Jamien Sherwood.
Speaking to the media at the Jets’ mandatory minicamp, Sherwood praised the team’s defensive linemen, going as far as to say “the sky is the limit” for the positional group.
“I see a bunch of guys who are hungry, I feel like they are going to get after it this year, I’m super excited,” said Sherwood. “They have a good coach in E-Dub [Eric Washington], they are led by Quinnen Williams, a guy that’s been established in this league. We have another kid from Auburn, BC [Byron Cowart], that’s exciting.
“And, we got a lot of young guys,” the Auburn product continued. “Will McDonald is growing into his own, Jermaine [Johnson] is coming back, Micheal Clemons looked good, LT [Leonard Taylor III] is growing, so for me the sky is the limit for them and I am excited for them.”
Eric Washington, 55, brings decades of experience coaching defensive lines at both the college and professional levels.
He began his NFL career with the Chicago Bears in 2008 as an assistant before earning a promotion to lead defensive line coach two years later. Before that, he spent four seasons overseeing the defensive line at Northwestern.
Washington later spent nine seasons with the Carolina Panthers from 2011 to 2019, including six alongside current Jets defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.
During the 2024 season, Washington served as the Bears’ defensive coordinator, during which Chicago ranked 22nd in defensive DVOA.
The most significant question facing the Jets’ defensive line is who will start alongside Quinnen Williams on the interior.
Identifying a consistent presence next to Williams will be key to the unit’s success in 2025. The position remains up for grabs entering the summer.
Undrafted rookie Leonard Taylor III flashed potential to fit that role as an undrafted free agent last year, while veteran free agent addition Byron Cowart has emerged as an early favorite, according to multiple reports.
Sherwood sees a hungry group ready to exceed expectations in 2025.