How does the scheme shift alter the plans for the New York Jets linebacker corps in 2021? When the Jets hired San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, the team knew it would come with a seismic shift to the team. He is the culture builder they needed, and one who is beloved by his players. Additionally, Saleh is going to come in and completely revamp the team’s defensive philosophy.
As previously mentioned, the Jets will be deploying a 4-3 defensive scheme for the first time since 2005. Meaning the team will feature four down linemen, with three linebackers behind them. Now, it may only sound like a minor change given they ran a 3-4 previously, but in reality, it is a seismic change. For years, the Jets outside linebackers have been based around setting the edge and getting after the passer. Meanwhile, inside linebackers would be focused on stopping the run and coverage. Now, all three will be utilized in coverage, setting the perimeter, and stopping the run. That being said, let’s take a look…
New York Jets to Have New-Look Linebacker Corps in 2021
Potential Starters on Roster
Right off of the bat, C.J. Mosley is going to be a starter – assuming he returns after opting out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns. The four-time Pro Bowl linebacker is the team’s highest-paid player and will look to regain his form after playing in two games since signing with the team. The to-be 29-year-old will be the leader of the defense, playing the Mike linebacker slot that Fred Warner held under Saleh in San Francisco.
Outside of Mosley, it is difficult to pinpoint potential starters for the team. Surely Neville Hewitt, who has 28 starts and 209 tackles in the past two seasons makes for a great option. The shift into a 4-3 defense will help Hewitt improve his coverage ability while remaining stout against the run. That is though if he re-signs with gang green.
The 4-3 Linebackers
Behind Mosley and potentially Hewitt, there are a handful of linebackers competing for spots on Saleh’s defense. The first that comes to mind is former fifth-round Mike Maccagnan draft pick, Blake Cashman. Like Hewitt, Cashman is uber-athletic and has experience in a 4-3 system. In two seasons Cashman has 46 total tackles in 11 games. Injuries have kept him off the field, as his health remains his biggest question mark.
Also under contract for 2021 is Noah Dawkins, Sharif Finch, and Brady Sheldon. Dawkins comes in as more of a 3-4 defender who is most likely to make an impact on special teams. Having spent time with the team last season, expect Dawkins at camp. The same goes for Finch and Sheldon too. Both have bigger builds, with Finch having more experience.
The Free Agents
One of the biggest notes behind the inevitable revamp at linebacker is the handful of potential free agents the team has at the position. Joining Hewitt on the market will be Jordan Jenkins, Tarell Basham, Patrick Onwuasor, and Bryce Hager. It would surprise no one if all four find a new home away from Florham Park for 2021.
Additionally, Frankie Luvu (exclusive rights free agent) and Harvey Langi (restricted free agent) could also find themselves searching for a new home if the Jets do not retain them. Luvu is more of a tweener edge rusher who has had his issues in coverage. So far in his career, he has primarily been used as a situational rusher because of those struggles. Langi finds himself in a similar situation, as his problems in coverage and defending the run saw him grade out at 79th of 83 qualifying linebackers by Pro Football Focus. Both are familiar with the team, yet with the new scheme, could find themselves on the outside looking in.
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Last Word on Jets Linebacker Corps
One of the many tasks that New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas will have this off-season is revamping the team’s linebacker corps. Outside of Mosley in the MIKE spot, the team has no set starters in the strongside or weakside roles. With the team expected to have over $80-million in cap space once cuts are complete, do not be surprised if Douglas looks to free agency and the draft to add new faces to the unit.
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