New York Jets 2019: Ranking the 53-man roster — #23 Tarell Basham

The New York Jets season is over so it’s time to evaluate the 53-man roster. Let’s continue this daily ranking with #23, linebacker Tarell Basham.

The New York Jets’ new front office didn’t quite know what they had in defensive end Tarell Basham, a pro disappointment once projected for NFL greatness.

The Ohio Bobcats’ all-time sack leader and 2016 MAC defensive player of the year, dominated at the 2017 Senior Bowl and got selected by Indianapolis in the draft’s third round (80th overall). But he washed out with the Colts as a situational edge rusher. He signed a four-year contract with the team but got waived early in year two. Ex-general manager Mike Maccagnan scooped up Tarell and quickly added him to the Jets’ active roster, where he flashed potential in limited action.

Gregg Williams recognized Basham’s “chip on his shoulder,” his versatility as 6-foot-4, 260 pound high-motor pursuer, and his special teams’ upside. He led this spirited “D” with 29 total pressures. His 2019 PFF rating was a formidable 73.1 with 22 solo tackles, two sacks, and one INT.  When you watch Basham rush the QB, it’s with speed, aggression and excellent technique.

After the Jets’ demolition of the Raiders, Basham described his preferable football style: “Playing lights out, playing full speed, getting population to the ball.”

Bash truly impressed his new Jets bosses. So expect his return, and increased involvement, for 2020 and beyond.

Basham’s not the dominant pass rusher this team has lacked since John Abraham, but he is the first in ages with the potential to wreck defenses. His addition might could up being the New York Jets’ great under-the-radar move in recent memory.

#53 Trumaine Johnson   #52 Ryan Kalil  #51 Kelechi Osemele   #50 Quinnen Williams   #49 Chuma Edoga    #48 Frankie Luvu    #47 Sam Ficken    #46 Nate Hairston   #45 Brandon Shell     #44  Jordan Willis    #43 Vyncint Smith   #42 Kyron Brown   #41 Bilal Powell   #40 Maurice Canady   #39 Darryl Roberts   #38 Harvey Langi   #37 Tom Compton   #36 Trevon Wesco   #35 Daniel Brown   #34 Matthias Farley   #33 Demaryius Thomas   #32 Chris Herndon    #31 Trevor Siemian   #30 Quincy Enunwa    #29 Trenton Cannon   #28 Ty Montgomery    #27 Blake Cashman    #26 Braxton Berrios   #25 CJ Mosley   #24 Alex Lewis