Breaking Down The New York Jets Linebackers

(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

The NFL Draft is only one month away, and the Jets still have needs all over their roster that they will attempt to fill with their six draft choices. In preparation for the draft, I am going to go through each of the positions on the roster and examine what they currently have, who they could add through free agency, and who they could potentially draft.

Today, I will look at their linebackers.

1. David Harris—Harris had a monster rookie season two years ago, but missed some time last year with injuries. Regardless, he was still very effective when he was on the field, and should be a integral part of the Jets defense for years to come. Rex Ryan has already stated that he is very impressed with Harris and expects big things from him this year.

2. Bart Scott—The Jets' biggest offseason acquisition, Scott is expected to be the emotional leader of the defense and provide a highly productive tandem with David Harris at the inside linebacker position. He followed Ryan over from Baltimore and should help teach the other linebackers the defense.

3. Calvin Pace—Pace received a monster contract from the Jets last year and responded with a very productive season. He is locked into the starting position at the one outside linebacker spot and will hopefully receive more opportunities to rush the passer this year.

4. Bryan Thomas—He will battle Vernon Gholston for playing time at the other outside linebacker position. Thomas started off last season strong but disappeared down the stretch.

5. Vernon Gholston—Gholston was a bust in his rookie season, but there is a hope that Ryan and his new defensive schemes will help him reach the potential that made him the No. 6 overall pick in the draft.

6. Larry Izzo—He was signed for special teams purposes but will also provide depth at the inside linebacker position.

7. Jason Trusnik—Another special teams player who has received some playing time the past couple of years on defense.

8. Marques Murrell—He has flashed some potential at the outside linebacker position and, if Vernon Gholston can't get his act together, he could receive an opportunity to get some reps.

9. Kenwin Cummings—He was the biggest surprise on the Jets' final 53 last year but never ended up receiving any playing time. Cummings will compete for a roster spot at inside linebacker, backing up Harris and Scott.

10. Brandon Renkart—A Rutgers product who will also compete for a roster spot at inside linebacker.

Free Agency

Don't expect the Jets to make any more additions through free agency at linebacker. I think Ryan will let young guys like Murrell, Cummings, and Trusnik prove they could be capable backups instead of spending money on another veteran.

Draft

After spending their first-round pick on a linebacker last year and spending major money on two linebackers in free agency the past two offseasons, I'd be surprised to see the Jets take a linebacker before the fourth or fifth round.

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