'They fit exactly the way I want to play defense'
Adding big bodies up front on defense was a priority after the Jets allowed the fourth-most rushing yards last season.
They traded for T’Vondre Sweat – who is 6-foot-4, 366 pounds – signed David Onyemata and drafted Darrell Jackson Jr. They join a room that already featured Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs.
“They’re big men, but they're also agile men,” Aaron Glenn said. “They fit exactly the way I want to play defense…. Just that type of size and that type of athletic ability, it only helps you. It helps everybody around the defense be better”
Glenn believes in being “strong down the middle” of the defense. The Jets signed Demario Davis to play middle linebacker and acquired Minkah Fitzpatrick to lead the back end at safety.
Phillips was effusive in his praise for his group, saying they're “really deep” and “have amazing different skillsets.” Phillips stopped himself while he was gushing, though.
“The communication is a lot different than it was with other defensive tackles I've been in my whole career,” Phillips said. “I really like our group and……Yeah, I don't want to put any headlines out there, but I like our guys.”
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
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