53 Man Roster: The Defense

Last year's first pick, CB Dee Milliner, suffered a high ankle sprain during training camp. The sprain was so severe he had to wait a few days before he could even take an MRI. He looked good in his only action of the preseason in the team's 13-10 win against Indianapolis on Aug. 7. 

Darrin Walls has stepped up in a big way after the injuries to the secondary. He sealed the victory against Cincinnati with a fourth-quarter interception and has continued to build momentum. The cornerback said he knew he had to make an impact after the injuries: Once a player gets hurt it's an opportunity for another player to step up. You want to do as good or better than whoever it is that went down. That's my whole mentality. They expect me to play well."

CB Kyle Wilson, a former first-round draft choice, has struggled at times during the preseason but has remained a constant in the depleted secondary. He had an interception overturned in the game against the Giants.

Ikemefuna Enemkpali has been one of the clutch players during the preseason. The rook recorded a strip-sack in the final minute of the team's win over the Colts and also blocked a punt for a safety in Cincinnati. IK has dealt with a foot injury as of late. 

Damon "Snacks" Harrison, who is becoming a favorite amongst fans contributed well to the defense's front seven. He was quick off the line in run support and on opponents' passing plays. 

DL Muhammad Wilkerson will be looking to build off his 10.5 sacks last season. Mo's looked fast off the line, forcing a strip-sack of Eli Manning in the third preseason game. 

T.J. Barnes has made great improvements after spending a year on the practice squad. He came into training camp at a lower weight and with more skill than the year before. 

DT Leger Douzable came on strong at the end of camp and picked up where he left off. He had two tackles for loss and one sack in the preseason.

DT Kenrick Ellis is more than just Damon Harrison's replacement. The Jets view him as a key component to the defensive line. He's showed an improvement in his technique in training camp. 

Sheldon Richardson, the reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, will be a key part of the Jets defensive scheme. He got by last year on his athleticism, but has worked with D-Line coach Karl Dunbar to become more sound with his technique. He's looking to improve on his 3.5 sacks from his rookie campaign.

Calvin Pryor, the No. 18 overall pick in the 2014 draft, recovered from a concussion he suffered on July 26, only to have a spectacular debut against Cincinnati. Being known for his hard hits and garnering the nicknames of "The Louisville Slugger" and "Little Bam-Bam" his powerful hits are low on the opponents' body, making them legal. He has three pass defenses in two preseason games. 

LB Jeremiah George got the memo on making an impact in the final preseason game. He was all over the field after he entered the game, recording seven tackles against Philadelphia. 

When Jason Babin signed with the Jets, he brought with him a pass-rushing prowess that includes 62.5 sacks as a pro. He's become a mentor for the younger guys on the roster and is excited to work with Rex Ryan and defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman.

LB Nick Bellore suffered a calf injury against Philadelphia, which could be a big blow to the special teams unit. He's been the leading tackler on kickoffs since joining the team in 2011 as an undrafted free agent. 

LB Quinton Coples, a former first-round pick, overcame a hairline fracture in his ankle and a position change last season. This year, after losing nearly 20 pounds, Coples is poised to have a great season. 

LB Demario Davis is the heart and soul of this defensive unit. During training camp he would come to the field early and get extra work in on the sleds. He had a breakout season last year and is looking to build on that momentum. 

David Harris has been the anchor of the linebacking corps for quite some time, but the veteran has look spry during the preseason. "Hitman" is looking to continue living up to his nickname in 2014. 

The Jets' seventh-round pick in 2014, Trevor Reilley played well during the preseason, contributing with six tackles and one pass defended. He's a bit older than his fellow rookies after a Latter-day Saints mission trip took him to Sweden for two years before attending college. 

Since 2008, LB Calvin Pace has been a member of the Jets. In that time, he's recorded 38 sacks including his 10 last year. He'll be looking to find some more of that magic in 2014. 

After injuries to the cornerback position, Antonio Allen has stepped up and tried to play corner. His first test was one of the game's best in Bengals WR A.J. Green. He's done well at the position, but suffered a concussion against the Giants. He's progressing through the NFL's concussion protocol, according to head coach Rex Ryan.

Josh Bush made a name for himself this offseason with his special teams play, but also contributed on the defensive side. The safety had six tackles and two pass defenses in the preseason. 

Safety Jaiquawn Jarrett was the team's leading tackler in the preseason, recording 20 total tackles, 16 of which were solo. He also had a fumble recovery. He'll be a key part of the defensive unit in 2014. 

"The Mentor" Dawan Landry is 31 years old, but hasn't looked it so far in the preseason. He was flying around the practice field, perhaps thanks to his work out habit. The nine-year veteran added a few pounds of muscle, which is sure to help his performance in the secondary.