Entering training camp this off-season, the New York Jets‘ deepest position was their linebacker corps. C.J. Mosley and Avery Williamson were back healthy, forming arguably the best duo in the league. Free agent signing Patrick Onwuasor joined Neville Hewitt and Blake Cashman as depth pieces. Except, the group never ended up healthy and on the field together.
Prior to the season, Mosley opted out due to COVID-19 concerns. Williamson was dealt to the Pittsburgh Steelers at the trade deadline. Onwuasor only recently became activated after starting the year on injured reserve. Meanwhile, Cashman, who has been healthy, has not seen consistent playing time.
However, the one bright spot at the position has been Neville Hewitt. In his third season with the Jets, his improvement from special teams ace to starter puts him as one of the team’s most important players this season. And because of that, general manager Joe Douglas must look into re-signing Hewitt to a multi-year deal this off-season.
New York Jets Should Re-Sign Linebacker Neville Hewitt
Hewitt’s path to Florham Park
After a very productive career with the Marshall Thundering Herd, Hewitt went undrafted in 2015. He quickly signed with the Miami Dolphins, and immediately saw playing time. Though most of it came on special teams, he finished his rookie season with two starts in 16 games. Hewitt totaled 39 tackles, three deflections, one interception, and three tackles for loss.
Over the next two seasons, Hewitt played in 22 games, making five starts and putting up 65 tackles. In his third season, he bounced between the roster and practice squad before hitting the market in 2018. During free agency, the Jets signed Hewitt to a one-year deal, bringing him on as a special team ace and depth piece.
Since Joining the Jets
When Hewitt joined the Jets in 2018, he was a backup to Williamson and Darron Lee. But thanks to Lee’s four-game suspension to start the year, Hewitt made four starts before returning to a rotational. He was a liability in coverage, although held his own enough against the run.
He has always been an excellent special teams player, but once in the start lineup, it was a matter of sacrificing coverage for his quality run defense. The same happened in 2019, where Hewitt made 12 starts due to various injuries. Hewitt finished a career year with two interceptions, five deflections, three sacks, eight quarterback hits, and 75 total tackles. Playing in defensive coordinator Gregg Williams’ defense allowed Hewitt to truly come into form as a productive starter. Alas, his struggles in coverage continued.
2020 Breakout
That was until this season. With Mosley gone and Williamson slowly making his way back, Hewitt became the team’s top inside linebacker. A role in which he has thrived. He has started every game, playing every snap in all but one game this season. In 10 starts, Hewitt already has a career-high in tackles with 85, as well as a 62.9 grade from Pro Football Focus. He grades out as the 27th best linebacker out of 86 that qualify and 24th against the run.
Most notably about Hewitt’s game, this season has been his improvements in coverage. He owns a 62.0 grade, good for 30th out of 76 linebackers. While it may not appear as impressive, this drastic improvement has Hewitt playing a well-rounded game. One that could entice Douglas to retain next season
Neville Hewitt A Building Block
Since initially signing in 2018, every year Hewitt has received a one-year deal each off-season. That should change this year. He has improved every year with the Jets, and with the majority of the team’s linebackers set to hit the market, bringing him back as Mosley’s running mate would be a great move. He has plenty of experience with the Jets defense and will only be 28-years old next season. For a team looking to spend big elsewhere, retaining an efficient starter like Hewitt on a team-friendly deal is a must.
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