4 NY Jets who must step up following the Chuck Clark injury

2. Jamien Sherwood, LB, NY Jets

While the Jets signed Clark to fill one of their starting safety roles, it's very possible (and probable) that they could have used him in a different role. It would have made sense for the Jets to use Clark as somewhat of a sub-package linebacker on passing downs.

It's a role that Clark has played before, and it would've allowed the Jets to get an extra defensive back on the field in passing situations. That's especially important given the redundancy in Clark and Jordan Whitehead's skill sets.

Perhaps Clark could've slid down to nickel linebacker while someone like Tony Adams, more of a natural free safety, entered the game on third downs. It would've been a unique way to potentially improve the team's pass defense.

Unfortunately, it's probably less likely that they force Whitehead or Adrian Amos into that role now. That means one player who could be in line for a larger role is Jamien Sherwood.

Sherwood is penciled in as the Jets' third starting linebacker alongside C.J. Mosley and Quincy Williams. Unless the Jets re-sign Kwon Alexander or add another veteran, Sherwood is very likely to be given a starting role this season.

With Clark unable to fill that additional nickel linebacker role, the Jets might use Sherwood more in occasional sub packages, such as when the team runs a 3-3-5 with three linebackers and five defensive backs.

The Jets are already entrusting Sherwood with a significant role in 2023. Now, he might have to cover a little for Clark as well.