New York Jets: Darron Lee is perfect fit for defense

When the New York Jets selected linebacker Darron Lee to bolster their overall pass rush, he’s a perfect fit for what they’re trying to accomplish on defense heading into the upcoming season.

One of the glaring weaknesses of the Jets last season was their lack of a fast and consistent pass rush. Even in their season finale last year with everything on the line in Week 17 against the Buffalo Bills, they failed to stop quarterback Tyrod Taylor as he kept those chains moving and ending their hopes of making the NFL Playoffs as a Wild Card.

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When the Jets made their first round selection with Lee, not only does he address an immediate need but looks like he can be the real deal for years to come. He’s got the right skill-set to be a force to reckon with and could very well be used in various different ways on the Jets’ defense. Either as a linebacker or on the edge of the Jets’ defensive line.

At just 21-years-old, once he makes the transition into the NFL, Lee will be able to hone his craft even further and add a nice dimension to the overall pass rush of the Jets. At 6’1 and 232 pounds, he’s a classic overachiever in that he’ll want to prove to the football world he can be a dominating defender in the NFL.

He’s strong when taking down the ball carrier and excels with his pass coverage skills. Over time, he could be an all-around linebacker capable of executing his assignments well and keep opponents fully aware of his presence every down he’s a part of.

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In just two years at Ohio State, Lee totaled 146 tackles and 11.0 sacks.

He’s an instant starter for the Jets and partnered up with fellow linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin, could be a difference maker for the Jets.

As a consistent pass rusher, Lee has a high motor that will work very well on a defense that is already stacked with talent.

Adding Lee into the mix will turn this defense into an even faster and more aggressive one. He’s the perfect kind of versatile player head coach Todd Bowles love to use in many different ways.

Already confident in what he’ll bring to the table for the Jets, in an article written by Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, here’s his own take on what exactly they’re getting in him:

"“You’re going to make some play that’s going to alter the game to help us win the game,” Lee said Friday at the team facility. “I’m very good at that and I do it consistently…. I want you to feel my passion and energy, because I really care about this game.”"

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Lee has extensive experience being a key defender during third down situations and always delivered by rising to the occasion. Depending on how Lee does come training camp, he should be able to be partnered up with Mauldin and use his speed during blitzing situations or even in a rotational role. Overall, the Jets made the right choice with their first round selection as he could be their next cornerstone on defense, ready to make a huge impact as early as his rookie season.