Jets host potential long-term plan at LB on Top 30 pre-draft visit

The New York Jets are continuing their pre-draft interviews, hosting Miami (OH) linebacker Jackson Kuwatch on a Top 30 visit, according to NFL reporter Ryan Fowler.

Kuwatch, who started his collegiate career with Ohio State before transferring to Miami (OH) for his final three years of college football, is coming off an incredible season. The 6-foot-4, 232-pound linebacker recorded 109 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and five sacks in his final season with the RedHawks.

The former Buckeye impressed at his Pro Day, ripping a 4.64 40-yard dash and 36.5-inch vertical jump. His athleticism may not jump off the charts, but his experience makes him an intriguing linebacker prospect.

He may only be a Day 3 prospect, but the Jets need to keep an eye on players like Kuwatch as they plan out the future of their linebacker room behind Demario Davis and Jamien Sherwood.

Jets need a plan at linebacker and Jackson Kuwatch may be the answer

Linebacker was a problem for the Jets in 2025. The tandem of Jamien Sherwood and Quincy Williams was one of the worst in the NFL and was a massive reason why they felt the need to change things up in free agency.

Sherwood was graded as the 35th-best linebacker in football in 2025 by Pro Football Focus, while Williams was the 76th-best out of 88 qualified players. New York showed little interest in retaining Williams this offseason, who was an All-Pro not too long ago.

Former Jet Demario Davis was brought in this offseason to hopefully provide a stabilizing force in the middle of the defense, inking him to a two-year, $22 million contract. The problem is, Davis is 37 years old and won't be productive forever, despite his play in recent years suggesting otherwise.

While Davis will surely assist in resurrecting Sherwood's career, he can also be counted on as a mentor for the next generation, maybe even for a player like Kuwatch.

The Jets should absolutely be taking swings at linebacker in the 2026 NFL Draft, not just for impact next season, but to have a long-term plan in place behind Davis, and maybe even Sherwood.

Kuwatch could be that later Day 3 dart throw, who is able to sit for a year while he learns the ropes of being an NFL linebacker.