The New York Jets were one of the biggest turn around teams of the 2015 season, as first-year head coach Todd Bowles improved their win total by six with a 10-6 record. The Jets failed to reach the postseason with their loss to AFC East rival the Buffalo Bills in the regular season finale, but Bowles looks to have this team heading in the right direction on both sides of the ball.
The Jets defense saw a strong improvement under Bowles in his first season as they went from the 24th defense in the league in terms of points scored to ninth. The team has loaded up on talented playmakers on the defensive side of the ball in recent drafts, including both cornerback Dee Milliner and defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson in the first round of the 2013 draft, safety Calvin Pryor in the first round of the 2014 draft and defensive end Leonard Williams in the first round of last year's draft.
The Jets have multiple needs heading into the draft, with their biggest question mark at the quarterback position with Ryan Fitzpatrick still an unsigned free agent. Many believe his return to New York is only a matter of time, which has put the focus on other positions in the draft. While the Jets front office is likely keeping their eyes on quarterbacks in the upcoming draft, one position they are expected to target is edge rusher in either an outside linebacker or defensive end.
One potential prospect that the Jets are reportedly "enamored" with is Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell, who the Jets ran through a bunch of pass-rushing and position drills at his Pro Day Wednesday. The 6-foot-5, 245-pound Aggies linebacker could be a strong fit in New York's defense, and has drawn comparisons with Eagles pass rusher Connor Barwin.
Fackrell could make a good fit for the Jets as an outside linebacker edge rusher in the Jets' 3-4 defensive scheme, and he proved himself a force at Utah State, recording 82 total tackles, 15 tackles for a loss, five sacks and forced two fumbles in his senior year. The Aggies linebacker can also drop back in coverage, recording four interceptions in college.
It's unknown how high the Jets would be willing to reach on Fackrell, but if he slides to them in the second round with the 51st pick, they could look to grab him quickly. The Jets likely won't reach as high as their first round pick on the talented Utah State linebacker, but New York is clearly interested, which makes Fackrell a name Jets fans should keep in mind as they get ready for the draft later this month.
