Erin Henderson set to start crucial season

As the New York Jets are getting ready for their preseason opener, linebacker Erin Henderson is set to start a crucial season not just for what he brings to the table but the development of their first round draft pick.

The New York Jets are ready to start finalizing their roster by seeing what weeks of training camp have done to the many players who will see playing time in preseason football to determine if they’re working keeping around. It won’t be easy but for draft picks entering their rookie year, it’s a very important time to see what kind of transition they’ll have entering the NFL. It’s not the real deal but gives somewhat of a good idea of what awaits in their first year in the pros.

As linebacker Darron Lee is ready to bring his speed, aggression and high football IQ to the Jets’ defense, his development for the greater picture will be huge for him to be a premier player. Luckily for Lee, he has a savvy veteran that will be starting at inside linebacker this upcoming season and showing him the ropes thanks to his vast experience.

Linebacker Erin Henderson is set to not only start a crucial season for the Jets as they prepare to prove their 10-6 record last year wasn’t just a fluke but for what he’ll be coaching, teaching and training Lee on from here on out.

Lee has incredible potential to be an x-factor on defense and if he’s to rise to the occasion and deliver big results, it’ll be thanks to Henderson keeping an eye on him and guiding him along the way. Last offseason, general manager Mike Maccagnan took a risk on Henderson to bring his veteran leadership and consistent results to the gridiron and so far, he’s been giving them exactly what they needed.

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Last season, Henderson totaled 23 tackles, a forced fumble and was a leader in the locker room.

He was able to step in for relief last season when needed and saw many reps come his way to do his best to maintain the stout defense of the Jets.

Entering his eighth season in the NFL, Henderson is set to once again be the fort at inside linebacker until Lee is able to step in and contribute.

Lee won’t be starting anytime soon but as the season progresses, should see plenty of reps come his way once he’s able to put everything together.

So far during training camp, head coach Todd Bowles was praising Henderson’s overall progression. Courtesy of the Media Relations Department of the Jets, here is what he had to say:

On Erin Henderson’s progression…

Erin has always been a tough, gritty football player, that’s how he was when he came in the league. He’s shown that since he has been here, so what you see is what you get with Erin. He’s getting the chance to play so that’s a great thing, he came back a little lighter, in better shape and he’s doing a good job.

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Overall, excitement is in the air for how great the Jets’ defense can be. As they improved their linebacker corps to be faster and a force to reckon with, Henderson is key for everything to be executed as envisioned. Not only for the havoc he will bring from the positional group but for his hand in developing what should be a future defensive cornerstone in Lee not just for 2016 but for years to come.

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