New York Jets: Who Is the Hardest Hitter on the Roster?

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The New York Jets defense is regarded by many opposing offenses as one of the most ferocious groups in football. Although their play regressed last season, the unit still instills fear into offenses across the league. 

Several key Jets are widely recognized as some of the most punishing defenders in the NFL, but who is the hardest hitter on the entire roster?

Let's take a lot at the top candidates and see who owns that distinction.

David Harris

David Harris has emerged as one of the most complete linebackers in the league in recent years. 

Last season, the former second-round pick led all inside linebackers in interceptions and sacks, while also recording 86 tackles. 

Harris seemed to be everywhere on the field, delivering brutal hits to opposing quarterbacks and wide receivers. 

The Michigan product dished out one of the most crushing hits of the 2011 NFL season on Miami Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore in Week 6, as seen above. 

Darrelle Revis

Darrelle Revis is undoubtedly the best defensive back in the league today, and he is one of the most complete cornerbacks in NFL history. 

The former first-round pick has shut down some of the most talented wide receivers in football the last few seasons, including Calvin Johnson, Vincent Jackson and Reggie Wayne. 

However, pass coverage is not Revis' only superb attribute.

The perennial Pro Bowl selection is an outstanding tackler, and he can deliver punishing hits with the best of them. 

Don't believe me? Watch Revis' bone-crushing hit on Eddie Royal in Week 6 of the 2010 season. 

LaRon Landry

LaRon Landry knows how to inflict pain on opposing offensive players. 

The newly acquired safety has been delivering bone-shattering hits since his debut back in 2007 with the Washington Redskins. 

The former sixth-overall pick is widely regarded as one of the best hitters in the league.

Landry has recorded an impressive 5.5 sacks and six forced fumbles in his first five seasons, despite missing significant time due to injury. 

Yeremiah Bell

Yeremiah Bell may be 34 years of age, but he still knows how to punish opposing receivers and quarterbacks. 

The former sixth-round pick is feared throughout the league for his unbelievable hitting technique.

He has recorded 11 sacks and nine forced fumbles in his career. 

The former Dolphins star is a nice addition to a stacked Jets defense, and he is sure to impress Gang Green supporters with his bone-shattering hits throughout this season. 

Conclusion

Gang Green boasts so many hard hitters on their roster that punishing tacklers such as Bart Scott and Calvin Pace did not make the list of top candidates.

The team is aplenty with defenders who know how to instill fear into opposing offenses, but in the end, only one man deserves the honor of being the hardest hitter on the entire roster—LaRon Landry.

Landry makes hard hitting an art form.

The 27-year-old safety manages to destroy an opposing player each and every game he is on the field.

Let's hope Landry is healthy in 2012, because he is a lot of fun to watch.