Forgotten Jets breakout candidate could change everything for shaky DL

Leonard Taylor III entered the NFL as one of the most surprising undrafted players in the 2024 class. Once seen as a potential first-round pick, the former five-star recruit instead shockingly went unselected before landing quietly with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent.

Now, entering his second NFL season, Taylor faces a different challenge. After flashing intriguing pass-rush upside in limited action as a rookie, the former Miami standout is simultaneously fighting to carve out a role in a thin Jets defensive tackle rotation and earn a spot on the 53-man roster.

If Taylor is able to secure his place and build upon the promise he showed as a rookie, there's a chance the Jets' entire defensive line picture could change dramatically.

In a position group sorely lacking depth behind Quinnen Williams, Taylor possesses the highest ceiling of anyone else in the room. He remains a wild card, yes, but if he's able to prove his worth to the new Jets staff, the projection for the Jets' defensive line in 2025 dramatically improves.

This is the third installment in a new series on The Jet Press, breaking down Jets roster bubble players ahead of training camp. Each piece will spotlight a different player fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster, continuing with Taylor's case.

Leonard Taylor can change the narrative around the Jets' DL in 2025

Taylor arrived at Miami with sky-high expectations as a former five-star recruit, turning down offers from powerhouses like Alabama, Ohio State, and Oklahoma. However, he never lived up to the lofty expectations in Coral Gables, finishing his college career with just six total sacks in three seasons.

Part of the reason for his lack of production was his questionable usage. Miami frequently played Taylor out of position at nose tackle, despite clear evidence that he thrived as a 3-technique.

In fact, during his final college season in 2023, Taylor posted an exceptional 28.6 percent pass-rush win rate from the 3-tech position, but he logged just 28 pass-rush snaps in that spot all year.

His rookie season with the Jets in 2024 was quiet, though he flashed in limited opportunities. Taylor appeared in 14 games, finishing with 24 tackles, four tackles for loss, nine pressures, 1.5 sacks, and a 69.9 Pro Football Focus pass-rush grade that was best among all rookie defensive tackles.

Now entering 2025, the door is wide open for Taylor to make a significant leap. The Jets have major question marks along the defensive line, especially behind the aforementioned Quinnen Williams.

Veterans Derek Nnadi, Byron Cowart, and Jay Tufele are expected to compete for the starting role alongside Williams, but none are particularly exciting options. Taylor's athleticism and natural pass-rush abilities give him the highest ceiling of anyone on the roster not named Williams.

But while it would be nice to see Taylor emerge as the starter alongside Williams, he projects best as a rotational 3-tech pass rusher. His run defense remains a work in progress, and he would probably be better off spelling Williams than playing next to him.

Taylor has the potential to transform the narrative around the Jets' defensive line in 2025 if he's able to make the roster and play meaningful snaps this season. The key will be consistency and proving to the coaching staff that he's ready for a larger role.

If he can do that, the Jets might just have a breakout star on their hands.

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