There are plenty of questions surrounding the New York Jets’ offense this year. They have a rookie play caller and a new quarterback, along with one of the youngest rosters in the league.
While the offense garners most of the attention, it doesn’t mean there aren’t any pressing concerns on the defensive side.
New York’s defense has All-Pro talents at each level. Quinnen and Quincy Williams control their front seven, while Sauce Gardner patrols the secondary. Few teams in the league have that kind of talent on their defense to begin with.
But as good as the Jets’ defense is projected to be in 2025, they still have some questions to answer.
One of their biggest concerns can be solved if an important acquisition exceeds expectations.
Jets’ Underrated Impact Player
New York brought in several starting-caliber players into their defense this offseason. Safety Andre Cisco and cornerback Brandon Stephens are just a couple of the players who were brought in to take on key roles.
However, the most underrated player the Jets need to rely on is defensive tackle Byron Cowart.
A former fifth-round pick out of Auburn and Maryland, Cowart has had short stints with the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, and Chicago Bears. While he isn’t a player who notches a ton of sacks, he can do something that the Jets desperately need: stop the run.
In the last few seasons, the Jets have struggled mightily at stopping the run, particularly in between the tackles. While Quinnen Williams is certainly a complete defensive tackle, New York has struggled to find a competent player next to him.
They are hoping Cowart can be one of those players.
Playing 15 games for the Bears in 2024, Cowart ranked 39th out of 125 qualified defensive tackles (min. 250 snaps) with a run defense grade of 60.1, per Pro Football Focus.
Cowart isn’t the only option, either. Derrick Nnadi and Jay Tufele are additional acquisitions competing for snaps, while Leonard Taylor III is expected to be part of the rotation as well. Undrafted rookies Payton Page and Fatorma Mulbah will push for roster spots.
Unlike the rotational pieces, though, Cowart was a major standout during offseason workouts. It’s why his work with the team could be the difference between New York’s run defense taking a massive step of improvement, or continuing their struggles for another year.
Either way, the Jets need an answer along their defensive line.
Cowart’s emergence on the team could be exactly what New York has needed for years.