Analyzing progress of Darron Lee so far

As the New York Jets continue through training camp, rookie linebacker Darron Lee is impressing many so far, including head coach Todd Bowles.

Linebacker Darron Lee in Ohio State made all the right headlines when it came to his performance on the gridiron. In his collegiate career, Lee totaled 146 tackles, 11.0 sacks and three forced fumbles. Known for his speed and aggression, the New York Jets are hoping it all translates well at the pro level as early as this upcoming season.

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So far during training camp, Lee has been adjusting well. Listening to his coaches and veterans around him, Lee is executing his assignments well and proving that sooner than later the football world will know his name at some point when games that actually matter are finally here.

It’s important for Lee to continue his development throughout training camp and preseason football to absorb as much as he can since he could be exactly what the Jets need this upcoming season. It’s no secret that ever since last season, the overall pass rush of the Jets’ defense was severely lacking, especially from their linebacker corps.

Now with Lee in the mix, he could be the spark that gets the positional group back to being a feared unit in the NFL. The defensive line of the Jets has always been recognized as such but if their linebacker corps can also be as productive and disruptive, this defense could be something very special in 2016.

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The best part about the situation Lee is in that he won’t be rushed into a starting position anytime soon according to head coach Todd Bowles.

With Henderson holding down the fort, it’ll be great to see Lee occasionally brought in for certain defensive formations until he’s ready to be given more reps.

So far, Lee is doing well during training camp as even Bowles had this to say about his current progress, courtesy of the Media Relations Department of the Jets:

Well, he’s making great progress, we’re not looking at him for just the nickel. He has got to learn his linebacker stuff too on first, second down. We said Erin Henderson was the starter going in, you’ve got to take somebody’s spot more or less if they have a spot. So, he’s working at it right now, and we’ve got four games to see how he progresses.

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Overall, the sky is limit not just for Lee but the potential the defense of the Jets have heading into the regular season. While their strength of schedule is much harder than last year, with a cast of savvy veterans and rookies ready to make some noise on defense like last year, it could be a recipe for continued success in 2016. After all, the saying continues to be true in that defense wins championships.