Darron Lee developing well in rookie season with Jets

Linebacker Darron Lee is developing well in his rookie season with the New York Jets. In a lost season, his development has been one of the very few positives to talk about.

It’s not easy being a rookie in the NFL. Let alone, a first-round draft pick that comes with some pretty heavy expectations on a team known for its solid linebacker corps. Such is the case with linebacker Darron Lee who so far this season, has shown flashes of being brilliant with the New York Jets.

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Lee’s speed, high football IQ, and ability to read offenses has truly made him into a force to reckon with. Despite their loss in Week 12, Lee was one of the top defensive stars for the Jets against the New England Patriots. Not only did he have a team-high 11 tackles on Sunday against the New England Patriots but was calling defensive plays illustrating the kind of leadership the Jets knew he’d bring to the table.

It’s intangibles like this that will only be developed well over time as Lee could be the next cornerstone at linebacker for the Jets. The kind of dominating linebacker that brings stability and consistency to the position for years to come.

Despite missing some game time due to an ankle injury, it’s great to see Lee take control on defense and do his best to be the next dominating linebacker on the Jets. It’s no secret that linebacker David Harris is getting up there in age but his mentorship of Lee is clearly showing.

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Harris’s ability to show Lee the ropes and train him the right way are some of the little things in football that go unnoticed. In an article written by Ethan Greenberg of NewYorkJets.com, here is what Lee said about leading his defense on the gridiron against the Patriots:

“A couple times on third down I was a dime linebacker, so I had to make the call,” he said. “I was the only linebacker there. So it was making calls and whatever adjustments to the formation that we were getting. But playing every down, I was fine. I didn’t feel like that was too much. I did that type of stuff when I was in college. I can go all day, I’ll be out there whenever they need me.”

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Overall, with the way Lee is developing, he’s setting himself up for what should be a solid sophomore season. The Jets will make a lot of changes on the defensive side of the football as they’ll undoubtedly want to build around Lee to usher in a youth movement for the benefit of the team.