Jets new and improved position group continues to gain recognition

The New York Jets understood the objective this offseason, and they raised the floor of their roster. Defensively, they made additions to all three levels, but the defensive line is getting love from ESPN's Ben Solak.

In his recent article, he discussed the most improved position groups. Even though the Jets didn't make the top 10, New York's defensive line was an honorable mention.

Solak calls out the depth at the position but doesn't think they have a "clear plus starter." Despite that, the sheer volume they have is what makes this an exciting group and a reason for optimism.

Jets DL gets some praise from ESPN's Ben Solak

In free agency, the Jets signed Joseph Ossai, Kingsley Enagbare, and David Onyemata. Enagbare and Onyemata are certainly going to bolster the run defense and bring a level of experience to the fold. As for Ossai, he got a three-year, $36 million deal that featured $22 million guaranteed.

That shows the Jets believe he has untapped potential and could do more in a different scheme, as he's logged 14.5 sacks over four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals.

The decision to swap T'Vondre Sweat for Jermaine Johnson was worth the shot as New York decided they weren't going to extend Johnson. Taking a dart throw on Sweat is risky, but if the Jets can get a better version of the player that was in Tennessee, they'll be getting a cost-controlled run stuffer in the middle of the defensive line for the next two years.

And that's without discussing the No. 2 overall pick in David Bailey. There was a lot of discourse leading up to the draft on whether they would take Bailey or Arvell Reese. They decided to roll with the more proven player in Bailey, who led the FBS in sacks (14.5) and total pressures (73) in 2025 with Texas Tech.

These collections of guys join the likes of Will McDonald, Harrison Phillips, and Jowon Briggs upfront. Of course, there will be battles happening that determine who will play more than others, but it's obvious to see that this position group has gotten more talented and deeper.

Last season, New York was 31st in sacks (26) and 29th in QB pressures (173) according to Next Gen Stats. They knew they needed to enhance their pass rush badly, and based on the looks of it, they accomplished it.

It all comes down to what takes place when the games kick off, but the moves New York made this offseason got love. Solak pointing out the DL got better is just another example of that position group's improvement going into a critical 2026 season.

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