Making the case for the Jets to draft an edge rusher in Round 3

The New York Jets still need to address their inconsistent pass rush heading into the 2018 NFL Draft. Here’s making a case they take an edge rusher in Round 3.

At this point in time, the New York Jets currently have six picks heading into the 2018 NFL Draft. After they use the No. 3 overall pick, they don’t have another selection until Round 3, pick No. 72 to be exact.

It’s safe to say that the Jets will most likely draft a future franchise quarterback with their first-round pick. Round 3? Your guess is as good as mine but even after the free agency frenzy has died down a bit, they still have a major area of need to address on defense.

Oh yes ladies and gents, their pass rush. Last season, they were unable to get to the quarterback consistently and lacked overall defensive pressure. What was once a strength in the Jets defensive line ended up being a weakness with the hope that upgrades are coming this offseason.

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Unfortunately, defensive end Kony Ealy bolted via free agency as he’s now a member of the Dallas Cowboys which leaves another void to fill on the defensive line. Ideally, with their third-round pick, the Jets should add an edge rusher to give defensive end Leonard Williams a new partner in crime to work with.

While the Jets bolstered their defensive secondary tremendously from last year’s draft and new additions via free agency, they need to add better talent to their defensive line. Having a consistent pass rush from the Jets defensive line will open everything else up on defense which would result in more quarterback sacks, plays that result in a loss of yards, and hopefully, more interceptions.

The Jets should use their third-round pick on a defensive end that has a serious upside to be starting material down the road after thorough coaching and training. Chad Thomas, Jalyn Holmes, or even Tyquan Lewis would be good selections if they’re still available when the Jets are on the clock. Either way, the Jets need to add new talent to continue rebuilding the team for a brighter future with a much-improved pass rush that hasn’t been much to brag about for the past few years now.