It’s bleak, but all is not lost for the New York Jets this season.
With six games remaining, the Jets have an opportunity to begin building toward the future. It’s an ideal time to evaluate lesser-known commodities in real-game situations and determine whether or not they’re worth keeping once the new regime is in place.
According to Bleacher Report, undrafted rookie defensive lineman Leonard Taylor III is a player who warrants more action as the season winds down.
Move to Make Now: Give Leonard Taylor III more snaps
The Jets primarily play Quinnen Williams and Javon Kinlaw on the inside. Leonard Taylor III, Eric Watts and Bruce Hector have been getting some run as rotational players.
Moving beyond 2024, it’s unclear whether Kinlaw will remain with the team. He’s a free agent and Robert Saleh, who coached him in San Francisco, is no longer the coach. Taylor is an undrafted free agent who was once considered a Day 1 or 2 pick when he was at Miami. He had two tackles for loss on Sunday and should get an extended look the rest of the season. — Bleacher Report
Taylor may actually be ready to help the Jets right now as their interior line play hasn’t been stellar. He’s already appeared in eight games, playing fewer than 20 defensive snaps per outing.
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The 25-year-old Taylor has been active seven weeks in a row for the Jets. He’s made multiple tackles in five consecutive appearances. Meanwhile, the Jets may have unlocked a wider opportunity for Taylor by releasing Hector earlier this week to create a roster spot for kicker Anders Carlson.
With Williams being the lone defensive tackle on a long-term contract, Taylor can establish himself as part of the future. Kinlaw, Solomon Thomas and Leki Fotu are all on one-year deals and seem unlikely to return in 2025. The Jets should use this time wisely to see what they have in Taylor.
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