Jets 2019 NFL draft preview: Edge Defender

In this series, we’ll preview every position group as it relates to the 2019 NFL draft and the New York Jets. Next, let’s take a look at the Jets’ edge defender situation, and how it could be impacted by this year’s draft.

It looked like the Jets were going to land one of this year’s biggest free-agent prizes in Anthony Barr, but the former first-round pick elected to remain with the Minnesota Vikings. That sent the Jets back to the drawing board, and they now head into the draft without that impact player they so desperately need on the edge.

Thankfully, the Jets are in prime position to add a star pass rusher in the early rounds of the draft. At No. 3 overall, Kentucky’s Josh Allen would be a perfect blend of need and value, and there’s an outside chance that Ohio State’s Nick Bosa could even fall to them there.

It’s been far too long since the Jets had a true difference-maker wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks off the edge, so they’ll be hoping to land a player that will remind fans of John Abraham in his prime.

Currently, their roster simply doesn’t have anyone in that stratosphere. Jordan Jenkins has shown flashes, and Tarell Basham still has promise, but this entire position group is filled with depth players instead of playmakers. That simply can’t be the case once the 2019 NFL draft has wrapped.

Here are some top prospects the Jets should target if they finally want to find that elusive pass rusher who can give them double-digit sack potential on an annual basis:

Nick Bosa, Ohio State

Josh Allen, Kentucky

Brian Burns, Florida State

Montez Sweat, Mississippi State

Clelin Ferrell, Clemson

Chase Winovich, Michigan