Why NY Jets DE Bryce Huff could be a breakout star in 2023

NY Jets, Bryce Huff
NY Jets, Bryce Huff | Cooper Neill/GettyImages

Since, coming into the NFL, NY Jets defensive end Bryce Huff has shown why he is one of the team's top pass rushers. Huff signed with the Jets as an undrafted free agent back in 2020.

As a junior at Memphis, Huff led his team with 9.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss. He also managed to pick up 49 tackles and was named second-team All-AAC in his junior year. Huff would once again be named second-team All-AAC in 2019 as a senior.

Huff appeared in 14 games as a rookie, recording two sacks and 16 tackles after making the 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent out of training camp.

In the 2021 season, Huff would appear in nine games, missing a lot of the year due to a back injury. Huff returned in 2022 and went on to play in 14 games with the Jets, finishing with 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one pass defended.

Can Bryce Huff be the next breakout star of the NY Jets?

On April 20th, it was announced that Bryce Huff officially signed his restricted free-agent tender to remain with the Jets. Huff could be in line for a larger role in 2023 following a standout 2022 season.

If Huff can improve his run defense, he could be a major force to be reckoned with. In games he played last season, Huff proved to be one of, if not the best, pass rushers on the Jets' roster.

Huff was an incredibly efficient pass rusher last year. His14.2 Pro Football Focus pass-rush productivity score ranked second among all edge defenders with at least 150 pass-rush snaps.

While his run defense needs work, Huff's ability as a pass rusher makes him incredibly valuable. If the Jets find more ways to get him on the field, he might just be the team's next breakout star in 2023.

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