The Jets’ Hidden Gem Could Be the Key to Unlocking an Elite Defense
The New York Jets may already have the answer to one of their biggest roster holes — and he’s flying well under the radar.
Following a 2024 season where Quinnen Williams received little help on the interior defensive line, the Jets did little to bolster the position in the offseason. They passed on drafting a defensive tackle and added only Derrick Nnadi and Byron Cowart in free agency — neither of whom project as more than depth pieces.
Enter Leonard Taylor III. After going undrafted in 2024, Taylor signed with the Jets and earned a roster spot with an impressive preseason. He logged 261 snaps during the regular season (22.7%), appearing in 14 games. His raw stats — 24 tackles, four tackles for loss, nine pressures, 1.5 sacks, and one pass deflection — don’t scream “star,” but a deeper look reveals real promise.
Taylor excelled in limited action, especially as a pass rusher, where he ranked in the top third of all qualifying defensive tackles in pressure rate and pass-rush grade. Even against the run, he landed in the top half of the league’s interior defenders, a rare feat for an undrafted rookie.
His performance exceeded expectations, and with another year of development, Taylor could take a major leap in 2025. If he can become a steady contributor, Quinnen Williams won’t need to carry the entire interior line by himself — a shift that could make the entire Jets defense more dangerous.
Leonard Taylor III isn’t a household name yet, but Jets fans would be wise to keep an eye on him. The breakout candidate they’ve been waiting for might already be in green and white.
