We are going to take a look at some of the new faces brought into the fold for Gang Green this offseason, and with OTA’s starting up these guys will be hitting sooner rather than later, meaning you need to know who will be dishing out the business for the Jets in 2016.
DE Jarvis Jenkins: Jenkins comes over from the Bears and will provide DL depth behind Mo Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson. After four seasons in Washington and last year in Chicago, Jenkins is regarded as more of a run-stopper than pass-rusher so he should fit in well with the Jets run-brutalizing front line. He did amass three sacks last season, and with the Jets’ free-roaming blitz style, he could see an increase in production through seeing situational snaps, though likely will see a decrease in playing time.
DT Steve McLendon: With Fan-Favorite NT Damon “Snacks” Harrison trading in his Gang Green roots for Big Blue boots, the Jets had a big ‘man-in-the-middle’ to replace on their Defensive Line. Harrison signed for more years and more money than the Jets could offer, so the Jets went out and signed Steve McLendon. Harrison may be the best 3-4 DT in the NFL, so replacing him will not be easy, but McLendon has proven to be a very capable starting Nose Tackle after six years in Pittsburgh, and will likely be in on almost every 1st and 2nd down snap for the Jets to help contain the run.
RB Matt Forte: Filling the void left by departed Chris Ivory, Forte was unceremoniously cast aside by the Chicago Bears and picked up by the Jets. The departure from Chicago is something that he has said hurt him emotionally but reuniting with long-time friend and Jets WR Brandon Marshall will ease his pain. Forte, only two years removed from a 102-catch season, is a true 3-down Back in the NFL, but it remains to be seen if he will be used as such. The Jets now have versatility at RB with the newly signed Forte, re-signed Bilal Powell, and newly signed RB Khiry Robinson, who is coming off a gruesome leg injury.
RB Khiry Robinson: Robinson comes over from the New Orleans Saints after signing with them in 2013 as a Undrafted Free Agent. Robinson will serve as third back (not to be confused with Third Down Back) in Chan Gailey’s offensive system. Gailey likes to have versatility in his RB Corps and having three guys that can run, block, and catch passes could prove a bevy of riches for the OC.
LT Ryan Clady: Acquiring Clady seemed like a necessity as well as no-brainer following the retirement of D’Brickishaw Ferguson. Clady will enter his 8th year in the league, though he missed the entire 2015 season due to injury after playing only two games in 2013. Clady has accepted a team-friendly contract and did not cost a lot to acquire via trade, so if he stays healthy this could be the biggest move of the offseason, as the Jets have not had to consider the LT position in over a decade.
