It wasn’t so long ago that New York Jets defensive tackle Jay Tufele was playing beside some of the best edge rushers in the game.
As a former Jacksonville Jaguar and Cincinnati Bengal, the fourth-round pick out of USC saw elite play from All-Pros like Trey Hendrickson and Josh Hines-Allen.
They pale in comparison to the collective depth the Jets have assembled heading into the 2025 season. Speaking to Jets X-Factor before practice on Wednesday, Tufele clarified just how unique New York’s front four is — and how important they’ll be for the organization moving forward.
Jay Tufele boasts about Jets’ D-line
Unlike his time with the Bengals, Tufele is expected to see playing time alongside some of the best tackles in the game. With Quinnen Williams and new arrival Harrison Phillips set to control the line of scrimmage, the fifth-year veteran is thrilled for the upcoming year.
“I’m learning from the best defensive tackles in the NFL,” Tufele said. “Those guys are top defensive tackles, and it’s really awesome to be able to work with them.”
The 26-year-old isn’t shy about his expectations for the rest of the defensive line group. He called the unit the “most dominant group I’ve ever been a part of,” adding Will McDonald and Jermaine Johnson into the conversation.
Tufele should also play a considerable role in New York’s defense this year. Throughout camp, he has outperformed many at his position and was a standout during preseason contests as well.
The bump in play and production, he says, should be attributed to defensive line coach Eric Washington.
“He’s the best coach I’ve had since I’ve been in the NFL,” Tufele said. “He’s very detailed in everything he does, and he gets us prepared for whatever situation we’re in.”
Washington, like many on this first-year staff, was hired after Aaron Glenn was introduced as head coach in January. He has a long history of developing strong defensive line talent, including stops with the Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, and Chicago Bears.
Washington’s reputation will only grow if he can help turn Tufele into an all-around defensive lineman.
As for the veteran tackle, his focus is on helping the organization in any way possible. Right now, that means establishing the defensive line’s identity.
“Our thing is to show our identity and that’s to show we are the most physical,” Tufele explained. “You know we’re here, and you’re going to feel us on every play.”
If the USC product can deliver anything close to his preseason performance in the regular season, the Jets will be thrilled with their free agent pickup.