The Top Five New York Jets Inside Linebackers of All-Time

Let’s work on completing the Jets all-time front seven. So, we continue our vote.

Last week, we completed our vote for the Jets all-time defensive line, to be released along with the roster when we complete the voting. For anyone new to the party, each vote presents a series of Jets that were among the top at their position. We present their credentials, and then present a vote at the end of the post. The winners will be named to our All-Time Jets roster.

For the purposes of the defense, we are setting up a 3-4 defense. So, today’s post is our search for the best Jets inside linebackers of all time. For this group, we have five players that many of you will be familiar with, some more than others. One is a player currently on the roster, but not the guy above, Demario Davis.

The top two vote-getters in the poll at the end will make the roster. So, let’s get right to it with our first nominee:

Next: Marvin Jones

Our first nominee was did most of his work with the Jets through the 1990’s. Marvin Jones was selected by the Jets in the first round of the 1993 draft, with the fourth overall pick. He assumed a starting role in 1994, and held onto it through the rest of his career, which ended after the 2003 season.

Defense & Fumbles

He was a mainstay of the Jets linebacking corp, starting 129 out of 142 games while with the Jets.

Our first nominee, number 54 (then number 55), Marvin Jones!

Next: Kyle Clifton

We have talked in the recent past about our second nominee. Kyle Clifton came to the Jets via the 1984 draft with their third round selection. Right from the jump, Kyle Clifton was a standout for the Jets. For our younger readers, he was like David Harris, but only more prolific, posting over 100 tackles in 9 out of his first ten Jets seasons.

Defense & Fumbles

Even more surprising is that the Jets linebacker was never elected to the Pro Bowl. Sad, isn’t it?

Our second nominee, number 59, Kyle Clifton!

Next: Bart Scott

Our third nominee is familiar to all of us. Bart Scott joined the roster as Rex Ryan’s first off-season acquisition in 2009. He arrived to coach Rex Ryan’s defense, while starting at inside linebacker for the Jets. In his first two seasons with the team, he led and directed the defense, and was a solid tackler, posting 90+ tackles and 80+ tackles, helping the Jets to two straight AFC title games.

He started 60 out of 63 games with the New York Jets. OK, here is the real reason why Bart Scott makes this Jets all-time list:

Still one of the greatest moments in recent memory, isn’t it?

Our third nominee, number 57, Bart Scott!

Next: David Harris

Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets inside linebacker David Harris (52) against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

This next guy had to make our list. David Harris was selected by the Jets in the second round of the 2007 NFL draft. Right from the start, Harris was a stout tackler for the Jets. Always tough against the run as we know, Harris crossed the 1,000 tackle mark this past season, a feat not often met with the New York Jets. Some may argue against his pass defense skills, but none can argue about his consistency as a tackler.

Starting 116 out of 123 games for the Jets, Davis Harris has also been as durable as they come.

He received a new contract this past off-season that was well-deserved.

Our fourth nominee, number 52, David Harris!

Next: Lance Mehl

Our final nominee did his work for the Jets in the 1980’s as well. Lance Mehl was selected by the Jets in the third round of the 1980 draft. After sitting back, waiting in the wings his rookie season, Mehl became a Jets starter in 1981, and ended up starting 81 out of 97 games.

Defense & Fumbles

Our final nominee, number 56, Lance Mehl!

That’s the group. Vote below, the top two make the roster.

Who is the best Jets inside linebacker of all time?

Kyle Clifton

(31%, 13 Votes)

Lance Mehl

(26%, 11 Votes)

David Harris

(24%, 10 Votes)

Marvin Jones

(17%, 7 Votes)

Bart Scott

(2%, 1 Votes)

Total Voters: 42

Next: Mock Draft: Jets Take Kevin White in Round One

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