NY Jets targeting hybrid 'unicorn' defensive lineman in free agency

The NY Jets will likely look to add to their defensive line this offseason following a disappointing 2024 season. One unique defensive line target the Jets appear to be eyeing is Los Angeles Rams standout Michael Hoecht.

The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt reported on Sunday that Hoecht is an "under-the-radar free agent to keep an eye on" as a potential Jets target. Hoecht is one of the most unique players in the NFL and could provide a boost to a Jets defensive line that struggled last season.

The Jets parted ways with John Franklin-Myers, Bryce Huff, and Quinton Jefferson last offseason, replacing them with the likes of Micheal Clemons, Haason Reddick, and Javon Kinlaw. All three players proved to be complete net-negatives for the organization.

The Jets will hope to correct those mistakes this offseason, and that could start with the signing of Hoecht in free agency. There's a lot to like about him as a potential addition.

NY Jets eyeing Michael Hoecht in free agency

Hoecht has been dubbed the "unicorn" of the Rams' defense. A former standout defensive tackle at Brown, Hoecht went undrafted in 2020 but eventually worked his way into the Rams' plans by his second season.

Originally listed at 6-foot-4, 310 pounds, Hoecht was an athletic freak at defensive tackle, running a 4.65 40-yard dash at his pro day and earning a 9.65 RAS (Relative Athletic Score). It was that athleticism that convinced the Rams to transition him to a new position.

Hoecht began to receive reps at outside linebacker in 2022, and by the following season, he was completely converted to a stand-up outside linebacker role. The former Ivy League star was regularly being asked to drop into coverage at 300 pounds.

According to Pro Football Focus, the formerly 300-pound Hoecht has even played over 90 snaps at slot cornerback over the past two seasons. Now listed at 267 pounds by the Rams, his size and freakish athleticism still stand out on tape.

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Hoecht is an excellent run defender. His 73.5 PFF run-defense grade ranked 10th among 51 qualified edge defenders (min. 600 snaps). For reference, Micheal Clemons ranked 47th and Will McDonald ranked 51st (a full six points lower than any other qualifier, for what it's worth).

The Jets would probably be wise to use Hoecht as more of a traditional defensive end/defensive tackle tweener type if signed. While the Rams had Hoecht regularly drop into coverage, he predictably struggled in that role, posting PFF coverage grades of 38.7 and 40.9 in 2023 and 2024, respectively.

Hoecht could essentially be used as a replacement for Clemons as more of a base end who can shift inside on passing downs. That would be the best way to maximize his athletic gifts and versatility.

The Jets won’t be chasing big names in free agency this year, nor should they. Instead, targeting an ascending player like Hoecht, who is still only 27 years old, would be the smart move.

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