Predicting starting defensive line

The New York Jets are preparing their defense to once again be feared across the NFL. Here are some bold predictions as to who will be starting on their defensive line.

Strength is the proper word that should be used in describing the 2016 starting defensive line ofd the New York Jets. For their defense to be able to succeed this upcoming season, the best part of the team will have to perform better than ever.

The front line of the defense will be able to set the tone for the rest of the defenders behind them and dictate the pace of the game. With size, agility and just phenomenal athletic ability, the Jets’ starting defensive line will be up there as one of the best in the NFL.

Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson is the main piece when it comes to the success of the front line and the overall defense. A horrific league injury late in the season is also something to not forget as well. Can he continue to play at the level he is known for? The Jets will need him to if they are going to get into the NFL Playoffs.

Steve McLendon is a new acquisition to Gang Green this season coming over via free agency from the Pittsburgh Steelers. This 6’3″ 310lb defensive tackle is a perfect fit. Placing him in the middle of Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson will make him a product of his environment and benefit from all the attention those two will be getting.

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2016 will mark Mclendon’s seventh season in the NFL.

He adds a veteran presence to the locker room that can also offer guidance to younger players.

Having a player like this in the locker room is so often overlooked but makes a huge difference.

Richardson will be suspended for Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. This is not the first incident with suspensions for Sheldon but hopefully it is the last. The Robin to Wilkerson’s Batman, Richardson is a key factor to the success of the team. Entering his fourth season in the NFL, 2016 should be a huge year for the 25-year-old.

In 2014, he recorded eight sacks and in a suspended shorted 2015 season, had five sacks in 11 games. It cannot be disputed that he makes a huge impact in the game when on the field. Richardson possesses all the tools needed for a great defensive lineman and hopefully in 2016, he can put it all together.

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For the Jets to be successful in 2016, their defensive line is going to have to step up and have its best year yet. With Wilkerson, Richardson, and newcomers like Mclendon the sky is the limit. If past Super Bowl winning teams have proven anything is that you win by getting to the quarterback and being successful in the trenches. This is the first step in a winning recipe that can hopefully one day provide fans with something they haven’t seen since 1969.

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