John Franklin-Myers sees no weakness in Jets defense
John Franklin-Meyers answers questions during Jets OTA held at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, N.J. on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. Credit: Noah K. Murray
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — John Franklin-Myers doesn’t see any soft spots on the Jets’ defensive line. When healthy, it is the strength of the team.
“We don’t have any weaknesses, and everybody brings a different element to the table,” Franklin-Myers said. “I think we do a good job of being well-rounded in that aspect. We have to be together. We have to play, and we have to live up to that.
“On paper is one thing. You could talk about what we have on paper, but we have to go out there and we have to be that, and we have to live that. That’s what our plan is.”
Like last season, Franklin-Myers will line up inside and outside. The Jets see him doing the most damage as an interior pass rusher, though, in Robert Saleh’s attacking four-man front.
The Jets are strong inside with Quinnen Williams and Sheldon Rankins, and they’ve gotten stronger on the outside. Edge rusher Carl Lawson is coming back from a torn Achilles and the Jets drafted Jermaine Johnson in the first round.
The line should get a boost from the additions Solomon Thomas and Jacob Martin in free agency and Micheal Clemons in the draft and Vinny Curry’s return from a health scare.
“I’m excited about the future, excited about what’s to come this year,” Franklin-Myers said. “Not only for myself but for my teammates. We all make each other better. That’s what makes our room special.”
Zach’s growth
Saleh said Zach Wilson has shown noticeable differences in all areas that they had hoped. Wilson had a solid day Wednesday. Although practice ended with Javin White picking off Wilson, he connected with rookie Garrett Wilson on a touchdown pass in a red zone 7-on-7 drill on the previous play.
“I think he’s a lot more comfortable in the offense,” Saleh said. “I do. I think he is committed to the process of taking the snap and going through progression, understanding exactly where his eyes need to go on every snap. Now it’s just a matter of trusting what he sees. He’s doing a really nice job of it. You can feel the comfort.
“He’s still got a long way to go but at the same time you can see exactly what we’re hoping for in terms of him coming back, having better command of the offense and better confidence in his progression.”
Two-minute drill
Braxton Berrios has lined up against Sauce Gardner in team drills and said the No. 4 overall pick comes as advertised. “He’s long, he’s tall, he’s fast,” Berrios said. “He has truly all the attributes of being a great corner. I don’t know the system of the defense per se but when he’s out there it looks like he’s doing the right thing. He’s been productive.” . . . The Jets will hold their three-day mandatory minicamp next week. Saleh said he expects everyone to attend.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
