NY Jets: 4 surprise standouts the first two weeks of 2021

1. John Franklin-Myers, DE, NY Jets

Defensively, the Jets have started the season off strong. Despite two defeats, they rank ninth in total yards allowed per game (320.5), 12th in rushing yards allowed (106.0), and 10th in passing yards allowed (214.5).

One area that looks to be a huge strength for the Jets is their defensive line, with the likes of Quinnen Williams, John Franklin-Myers, and Sheldon Rankins making for an exciting lineup.

In particular, Franklin-Myers has gotten off to an excellent start this season.

Is it that surprising that Franklin-Myers has stood out? Not necessarily, but considering how much of a breakthrough Quinnen Williams made last year, high expectations have been placed on the former third overall pick to bring his rich vein of form into 2021.

The star defensive lineman has looked fairly quiet so far this year and Franklin-Myers has stepped into the limelight, with sacks in each of the opening games.

This isn’t to say Franklin-Myers had a bad 2020. In fact, the former Los Angeles Rams draft pick was very good last season, finishing with a grade of 71.5 from Pro Football Focus and ranking 35th out of 126 qualified interior defensive linemen.

Through the opening two weeks of this season, he’s one of just three players to have recorded two or more sacks, two or more tackles for loss, and a forced fumble.

Let’s hope he stays healthy for the remainder of 2021.