Predicting the New York Jets' 53-Man Roster: Defense

Cummings should provide solid depth to the team at the linebacker position and is versatile enough to play both outside and inside.


Inside Linebacker - Bart Scott, David Harris, Jason Trusnik, Marques Murrell, Larry Izzo

Bart Scott, the Mad Backer, signed a six-year, $48 million deal with the Jets this offseason.

One of the most interesting stories I have ever heard was how Rex Ryan recruited him by sitting in his driveway until the clock struck midnight when it was legal for teams to start pursuing free agents.

Negotiations went on and in the end the Jets had themselves a new leader on defense and he has already brought the swagger that Rex Ryan has been preaching onto this team.

Scott was signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted rookie free agent following the 2002 NFL draft. For the next three seasons, Scott was limited to backup duty and special teams work.

When Ray Lewis went down with an injury during the 2005 season, Rex Ryan called upon Bart Scott to replace Lewis. He would go on to make 10 starts and have a breakout season in which he registered 92 tackles and 4.0 sacks.

From that point on, Scott was a starter in the Ravens defense and would work out of both the inside linebacker and outside linebacker positions.

He would go on to record 103 tackles with 9.5 sacks and 2 interceptions in 2006, also receiving an invitation to the Pro Bowl for his efforts. In 2007, Scott made 93 tackles along with 1.0 sack as well as 82 tackles and 1.0 sack this past season.

The Jets will call upon Scott to lead this defense and to help the conversion process of the move from Eric Mangini's 3-4 scheme to Rex Ryan's defense.

David Harris turned out to be an outstanding pick by the Jets in the second-round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He took the world by storm when he was summoned to replace the injured Jonathan Vilma in week eight against Buffalo during his rookie year.

He responded with 17 tackles and one sack. The following week Harris made an astounding 24 tackles against the Washington Redskins. He finished the season with 127 tackles and five sacks.

In his sophomore season, Harris missed five games due to injury, but still managed 76 tackles and one sack. Look for Harris to have a rebound season under Rex Ryan.

Jason Trusnik was signed by the Jets as an undrafted free agent out of Ohio Northern following the 2007 NFL draft. He has been a very solid contributor on special teams and has given the Jets depth at inside linebacker.

In two seasons, he has recorded 18 tackles in 13 games (six special teams tackles in 2007), including a career high five tackles in the final game of the 2008 season.

Marques Murrell, the younger brother of former Jets running back Adrian Murrell, joined the Jets in November of 2007 when he was signed off the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad.

Murrell provided nice depth for the Jets at inside linebacker after Jonathan Vilma went down with an injury and continued to do a good job both as depth and on special teams last season.

Lastly, Larry Izzo was signed by the Jets this offseason to contribute solely as a special-teamer. A 13-year veteran, Izzo has played for the Dolphins and Patriots throughout his career, most recently spending his last eight years with New England.

Last season, Izzo led his team in special teams tackles with 14, marking the eighth time in his career that he has done so. Izzo has averaged 1.4 special teams tackles in his career. He has recorded 257 special teams tackles in 188 regular season games.

The Jets welcome Izzo and he will join Mike Westhoff's always great special teams unit.


Cornerback - Darrelle Revis, Lito Sheppard, Dwight Lowery, Donald Strickland, Drew Coleman, Ahmad Carroll

“We've got some linebackers, got a free safety that's a ball hawk, and to me the best corner in football. That's a pretty good starting point."

That was Rex Ryan's introductory press conference in which he deems starting cornerback Darrelle Revis the best corner in football. How is that for praise from your new head coach?

Revis has done all the right things and has made the plays to back up that very statement. It's hard to believe he's only been here for two years, because he plays like a six or seven year veteran.

During his rookie season in 2007, Revis managed 87 tackles to go along with three interceptions. He followed that up with a 58 tackle season and added five picks, including one run back. Revis made the Pro Bowl last season and made an amazing interception while covering Anquan Boldin in the end zone.

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