While those players will hopefully play an integral role in this unit\u2019s turnaround, David Onyemata is another vet the Jets brought in on a one-year, $10.5 million contract in March who could loom large in getting their run defense back on track.<\/p>\n
We know the Jets have the guys at linebacker and safety to create turnovers and wreak havoc in the passing game. But for them, it must start in the trenches, and they have to win at the point of attack, which is where Onyemata comes into play.<\/p>\n
Jets\u2019 run defense should be much improved with David Onyemata\u2019s presence<\/p>\n
The 33-year-old defensive lineman spent the last three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, where he was a full-time starter, playing mostly at DT in their 3-4 and 4-3 schemes. He\u2019s not much of a sack artist (eight sacks with the Falcons), which is okay, as the Jets have the pass-rushing arsenal to make some noise. However, don\u2019t sleep on that aspect of his game, as he\u2019s averaged 24.6 pressures per season with the Falcons, according to Pro Football Focus.<\/p>\n
But what Onyemata does well is clogging up running lanes and getting stops, and the Jets need that. Last season in Atlanta, the veteran defensive lineman generated a 74.2 run defense grade and 28 stops (tied for second-most in his career). It was the second time in the last three years that he had a 74 run defense grade or higher.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, it was Onyemata\u2019s fourth in his last six seasons, dating back to his New Orleans Saints days, where he had a 70 run defense grade.\u00a0 He has a sneaky first step and has the power and motor to win 1-on-1 matchups and bowl through double teams to make plays in the backfield.<\/p>\n
UFA David Onyemata (90)<\/p>\n
-alignment versatile in both even & odd fronts<\/p>\n
-can be a movement player or point of attack\/anchor player<\/p>\n
-a** kicker up front. Leverage, pop, a wide base, & violence<\/p>\n
-uses hands & length well<\/p>\n
-good block\/scheme recognition<\/p>\n
pic.twitter.com\/A9KlARdAql<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Anthony Cover 1 (@Pro__Ant) February 8, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n When you look at what the Jets got from their d-line in run defense last year, it makes perfect sense why they went after Onyemata.<\/p>\n Harrison Phillips \u2013 76.2 run defense grade Jowon Briggs \u2013 55.6 run defense grade Jay Tufele \u2013 55.8 run defense grade Quinnen Williams \u2013 91.7 run defense grade (spent second half of season with the Cowboys)Khalen Saunders \u2013 54.2 run defense (spent part of 2025 season with Jaguars)<\/p>\n Once the Jets traded Quinnen Williams ahead of the deadline, their run defense was in trouble. It was only so much Phillips could do, who played well last season. Everyone else who got playing time was a net negative.<\/p>\n Looking ahead to this season for New York, Onyemata can start alongside Phillips and Sweat, who had a ridiculous run defense grade of 79.3, but only 13 stops with the Titans in 2025. If those three defenders can shore up New York\u2019s run defense, it will force offenses to be one-dimensional, which will hopefully lead to more turnovers.<\/p>\n Onyemata doesn\u2019t have much wiggle room on a one-year deal, but if he can do what he did over the last three years with the Falcons, there\u2019s no question that the Jets should do whatever it takes to sign him.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/assets.minutemediacdn.com\/platform\/google_discover_icon.svg\"){kind=icon}
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