7 defensive tackles the NY Jets could sign after losing Sheldon Rankins

4. The NY Jets could sign Poona Ford

Speaking of young nose tackles, Poona Ford is another younger alternative the Jets could consider. Ford's journey from undersized, undrafted defensive line prospect to the Seattle Seahawks' starting nose tackle has been fun to watch.

Ford was a dominant player at Texas but ultimately went undrafted due to teams' concerns about his size. At just 5-foot-11, Ford didn't have the physical pedigree to match up with others at his position.

Despite this, Ford quickly carved out a role for himself in Seattle, and he's now started 63 games over the last four seasons. In 2020 and 2021, Ford ranked inside the top 20 interior defensive linemen in football, per PFF.

At just 27 years old and coming off his most productive season as a pass rusher, Ford is an intriguing target who could plug a significant hole in the middle of the Jets' defense.

3. The NY Jets could sign A'Shawn Robinson

Greg Gaines isn't the only Rams defensive tackle left on the open market. A'Shawn Robinson hit free agency this offseason after spending the last two seasons in Los Angeles.

Robinson is a former second-round pick who never really found a permanent role in Detroit, but he came into his own a little bit with the Rams. The Alabama product has graded out as one of the betters run-defenders in football in each of the last two seasons.

At 6-foot-4, 330 pounds, Robinson is a true space-eater in the middle of the defensive line. Given how much the Jets struggled against the run at times last season, they could absolutely use someone like that.

Robinson has missed time due to injury in two of the last three seasons, but if the Jets are comfortable with his medicals, he remains one of the best options still unsigned.