Overview
For the first time since 2007, the Jets linebacking corps will be without a familiar face in David Harris. Demario Davis, who the Jets welcomed back in a trade with the Browns, could be in position to take over for Harris at the Mike position alongside second-year player Darron Lee, who started nine games last season.
In the Spotlight
The 6'1", 232-pound Lee should be on the short list of players with an opportunity to become the leader of the unit. Towards the end of last year, Lee called plays in certain subpackages after he returned from an ankle injury suffered in Week 6. The Ohio State product finished fourth on the team in tackles with 76. Head coach Todd Bowles said the 22-year-old played well last season and saw growth in the spring.
Get to Know the LBs Heading into Training Camp
Appeared in 50 games during his four-year career, claimed by the Jets on Dec. 26, 2016.
Made first career start against Miami on Dec. 17, 2016, registering four tackles.
Started 11 games and registered 48 tackles as a rookie in 2016.
Registered 76 tackles as a rookie during the 2016 season.
Appeared in nine games, tallied 28 tackles with the Jets in 2016.
Selected by the Jets in the fifth round of the 2017 Draft (West Georgia).
Sixth-year LB with 289 tackles in 63 career games.
Registered 5.5 sacks in 19 games during his first two seasons with the Jets.
Returned to the Green & White by way of a trade with Cleveland on June 1.
Signed by the Jets on Jan. 14, 2017 from the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL.
Seven-year veteran signed with the Jets on June 9 after spending the last two seasons with Miami.
Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2017 from Division II Lindenwood.
Appeared in 15 games for the Jets on defense and special teams in 2016.
Position Battles
While the inside starters seem to be set, the outside positions are spots to watch. Third-year OLB Lorenzo Mauldin, who was also hampered with an ankle injury in 2016, dropped 10 pounds in the offseason in order to utilize his speed as a pass rusher. Special teams ace Josh Martin re-signed with the Jets in March and lined up with the first team defense throughout the spring. Second-year player Jordan Jenkins closed his rookie campaign with 14 starts under his belt and one of the strongest performances on the team in the final quarter of the season.
Full Steam Ahead
Fifth-round pick Dylan Donahue has one gear — all out. The West Georgia product sees similarities between his style of play and his position coach, Hall of Fame OLB, Kevin Greene. Greene played with a relentless attitude both on and off the field, something Donahue showed in minicamp. The 6'3", 248-pounder took second-team reps on defense for the majority of minicamp.
