Jets' Elder Statesman Excited for Fellow Linebackers
C.J. Mosley is the clear leader of the New York Jets' linebacking corps on multiple fronts.
The handsomely-paid tackling machine has totaled 326 stops in 33 starts for Gang Green over the past two seasons. He's earned five Pro Bowl selections in eight years since being drafted No. 17 overall by the Baltimore Ravens in 2014.
The Alabama product's experience and credentials are unmatched by any other linebacker currently on the roster.
Set for his ninth NFL season, and fourth as a Jet, Mosley, who turned 31 years old last month, addressed reporters on training camp report day at the team facility.
"For me, I want to make sure that I take care of my room first and just make sure that we're always doing our job. Making sure our players on defense are in the right position," said Mosley.
Jets' LB C.J. Mosley (57) tackles Bills' WR Isaiah McKenzie (6)
Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
The linebackers' room no longer features Kwon Alexander, but Mosley has high hopes for third-year pro Jamien Sherwood in 2023.
"I'm excited for what Jamien Sherwood is going to be bringing this year," said Mosley. "He's one of the smartest players on our defense and on this team. He's a hard worker, one of the hardest workers in the weight room and the classroom."
Sherwood, a 2021 fifth-round draft choice, played all 17 games last season, but logged only 25 snaps on defense. That total is likely to increase this fall as some needs to make up for the 559 plays that belonged to Alexander one year ago.
"I really feel like he has a great chance, this camp, to show what he's about," said Mosley.
Then, there's Quincy Williams, who re-signed with the Jets in March.
After making 100+ tackles in back-to-back seasons, the 5-foot-11 Williams earned a three-year contract reportedly worth $18 million. Just last week, Williams's younger brother Quinnen, an All-Pro defensive tackle, agreed to a massive four-year extension with Gang Green.
"I'm very excited for Quincy. He's another young linebacker. Obviously everybody knows the speed and the power that he has," said Mosley.
In two seasons with the Green & White, the linebacker has totaled 21.0 tackles-for-loss and 10 quarterback hits over 31 contests. By the sound of Mosley's comments, Williams's production is on track to increase in 2023.
"This offseason, he took three steps when it comes to being on the field, asking questions, understanding the defense," said Mosley. "I think that's the most important thing, especially for our linebacker group — understanding what offenses are trying to do to us."
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