4 biggest strengths on the NY Jets roster entering 2023

2. Defensive line

There's a large gap between the top two positions on this list and the others. Robert Saleh's roster-building philosophy is evident when looking at the construction of this Jets team, but nowhere is it more obvious than when discussing the defensive line.

The Jets' defensive line is stacked with talent. You have your superstar in Quinnen Williams. You have your above-average starters in Carl Lawson and John Franklin-Myers. You have multiple first-round picks. You have excellent depth. It's Robert Saleh's dream defensive line.

Williams is the star of the unit, fresh off a first-team All-Pro selection in 2022. The former first-round pick is one of the best defensive players in football — evidenced by the fact that he was one of just four players to receive first-place votes for Defensive Player of the Year last season.

Lawson was a quality edge rusher in 2022, but the Jets believe that he could show signs of the dominant player he was prior to his injury with another year removed from that torn Achilles this season.

Franklin-Myers remains one of the most unheralded players on the roster. His versatility makes him a key cog in the Jets' defensive line rotation, even if he is often overlooked.

Jermaine Johnson, Micheal Clemons, Will McDonald, and Bryce Huff give the Jets arguably the best defensive end depth in football. It says a lot that Huff, one of the most efficient pass rushers in the NFL last season, projects as a healthy scratch to start the season.

Then there's the veteran duo of Al Woods and Quinton Jefferson holding down the fort alongside Williams. The Jets' defensive line was already excellent last season, but they went out and upgraded their defensive tackle depth.

The Jets are one Carl Lawson (or someone else) breakout season away from having maybe the best defensive line in football. This is a stellar unit.