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5 bold predictions for the New York Jets in 2018

By Rucker Haringey

FLORHAM PARK, NJ - JUNE 14: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets participates in drills during the final day of Jets mandatory minicamp on June 14, 2018 at The Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, New Jersey. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
FLORHAM PARK, NJ - JUNE 14: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets participates in drills during the final day of Jets mandatory minicamp on June 14, 2018 at The Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, New Jersey. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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FLORHAM PARK, NJ – JUNE 13: Linebacker Avery Williamson #54 of the New York Jets warming up before mandatory mini camp on June 13, 2018 at The Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, New Jersey. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
FLORHAM PARK, NJ – JUNE 13: Linebacker Avery Williamson #54 of the New York Jets warming up before mandatory mini camp on June 13, 2018 at The Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, New Jersey. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

3. Avery Williamson will exceed 150 combined tackles

Signing a new middle linebacker in free agency doesn’t send your fans flocking to the team’s website to buy his jersey. It is, however, crucial for the success of a 3-4 defense. That’s why the acquisition of Williamson is so important for the Jets.

Williamson had 92 combined tackles last season for a pretty decent Tennessee Titans defense. He’s going to have to do more to make the Jets unite effective against the run this year. He certainly has the athleticism and intelligence to have a big season under defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers.

Darron Lee is a talent, but he clearly needs some help racking up tackles in the middle of the Jets defense. That’s precisely what Williamson does best. He’ll be expected to man the middle on almost every down. That should give Lee an opportunity to play a more aggressive brand of football. The Jets hope that will lead their defense to make more big plays.

Williamson won’t stand out to fans many Sundays, but he’ll be a quiet rock for this defense. Jets fans in the stands can count on hearing his name a lot. Williamson is going to make a ton of tackles for this defense next year. Bet on him making over 150 combined tackles and establishing himself as one of the most consistent inside linebackers in the NFL.

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