A view from an opposing fan site (Seahawks) but it is a very good read. Hard to argue with the teams they included, and thought it would make for a good discussion piece. Notable that only two of the AFC East teams are included. http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2014/5/...ve-line-rankings-rams-panthers-saints-broncos New York Jets DE Muhammed Wilkerson, DT Damon Harrison, DE Sheldon Richardson, OLB Quinton Coples, DT Kenrick Ellis, DE Leger Douzable, DE Zach Thompson, DE IK Enemkpali Leaving the Jets off the "elites" list wasn't easy, and the only reason Carolina and St. Louis separated themselves to me is because of their infusion of talent via the draft. The Jets remain a powerhouse on the defensive line, and feature the dynamic and nearly unstoppable Mo Wilkerson (10.5 sacks in 2013), the underrated Damon Harrison (Pro Football Focus' top-rated run-stopping defensive tackle last year), and the AFC's Defensive Rookie of the Year in Sheldon Richardson (excellent as a run-stopper and pass-rusher). With former first-rounder Quinton Coples and the powerful Kenrick Ellis in the mix, the Jets are multiple, versatile, and tough up front, and give Rex Ryan some incredible tools with which to work. The Jets were arguably the best run defense in the NFL in 2013, allowing a league-low 3.4 yards per carry and a third-ranked 88.2 yards per game, and there's no reason to believe they'll regress in 2014. In fact, it's probable they are even more fearsome with the further development of Wilkerson, Richardson, Harrison and Coples.
A league low 3.4 per carry and third-ranked 88.2 yards in 2013 and there is no reason to believe we will regress in 2014. That's all written above. Then why the hell do they think Jets D Line is not one of the Top 3? Edit: My bad. In fact we made the Top 3. Okay. I am cool
I have to agree ... but that will come with Coples having a year under his belt at OLB and Barnes staying healthy for a full season. With the progression of Wilkerson and Richards adding pressure inside, you have to like the Jets chances at posting a more respectable sack number. One team I was a bit suprised by their exclusion from the list was Cincy. I think they have a pretty solid D-line overall.
What really prevents our D-line from being elite is our lack of an edge speed rusher. We were 13th in number of sacks, which isn't a knock on our 3 down lineman, as 5 techs and 0-techs aren't supposed to be pass rushers anyway. If we had an Aldon Smith like presence, we'd make a pretty good claim to having the best D-line in the NFL (which is why I wanted Barr so badly).
