FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets made size a clear offseason priority as coach Aaron Glenn pushed a “mass-kicks-ass” philosophy, trading for nose tackle T’Vondre Sweat, listed at 366 pounds. The team will carry at least five defensive linemen who weigh 300 pounds or more on opening-day roster, including rookie Darrell Jackson Jr. (315), and signed middle linebacker Demario Davis at 248 pounds — 32 pounds heavier than last season’s starting “Mike” linebacker Jamien Sherwood, who moves to the weak side.
Glenn said the additions were deliberate. “It’s a big man’s game — it will always be a big man’s game — and for us to be able to add large men that have the ability that those guys have, the agility that those guys have, it only makes us better as a team,” he said, noting a scheme shift that will feature a 3-4 front and two-gapping responsibilities that require larger linemen.
The change marks a departure from the previous regime, which prioritized speed in the front seven, and follows a season in which the Jets finished 29th in rushing yards allowed. Team officials stressed there is a balance to be struck: the club has contended with weight and conditioning concerns in the past, most notably with tackle Mekhi Becton, and Sweat, who reportedly weighed as much as 400 pounds in college, will be monitored. Glenn said Sweat’s current weight is “where it needs to be.” Right tackle Armand Membou called Sweat “a big-ass dude.” Visually, Sweat has drawn comparisons to former Pro Bowl tackle Kris Jenkins, who played near 360 pounds.
On offense, running back Braelon Allen added roughly 10 pounds while rehabbing a knee and is listed at about 250, making him one of the larger backs on the roster. Allen said his body-fat percentage is at an all-time low and that he could reach 255 or 260; “I’ll end up with my hand in the dirt,” he said. Allen is back to 100 percent after tearing his ACL, and said his last two touches before the injury were a goal-line fumble and the kickoff return on which he was hurt. He indicated he hopes not to return to kick-returning duties.
Glenn plans to use Allen, Breece Hall and Isaiah Davis as a “three-headed monster” in the backfield. The Jets signed Hall to a three-year, $43.5 million contract last month. Rookie edge rusher David Bailey is also on the roster and is learning the increased work and adjustment required at the NFL level.
