Jets' Defensive Line Depth Strong vs. Commanders

The New York Jets opened their preseason with a win in front of the home fans, escaping MetLife Stadium with a 20-18 victory over the Washington Commanders.

The usual suspects, unsurprisingly, weren’t a part of this one. Much of New York’s starting lineup sat out , allowing the roster’s depth to compete and showcase their talents against Washington, who played several starters early on.

Most importantly, New York escaped healthy, but it also got to learn more about the youth on its defensive line.

Among the most productive was undrafted free agent tackle Leonard Taylor III. The Miami product fell despite the consensus considering him a safe Day 3 pick and is making good on the expectations draftniks had for him in April.

He stuffed the state sheet with two tackles – both behind the line of scrimmage – and a sack that featured Quinnen Williams’ signature celebration.

He wasn’t alone in his dominance. Defensive tackle Tanzel Smart had a team-high seven tackles and Bruce Hector made a key tackle for loss early on. Former first-round edge rusher Will McDonald put the moves on a Washington lineman as well, but was negated by a roughing the passer call of his own doing.

Another undrafted free agent, Eric Watts, looked like a contributor, too, with three tackles and a tackle for loss. With $245,000 guaranteed – the most among the Jets’ UDFA class – Watts is one of the group’s best bets to make the roster.

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The unit is not without concern. Defensive lineman Michael Clemons, who should see significant playing time this season, struggled in the early going. If he’s not the John Franklin-Myers replacement New York hopes he is, the team may reach further down the depth chart for snaps.

After Saturday’s performance, the Jets can feel confident that they have no shortage of options for the final spots in the defensive line room.