The New York Jets are facing a minor issue.
The defensive line is possibly the most talented and deepest positional group on the team. This could result in unexpected cuts later this summer.
Jets analyst Joe Caporoso of “Badlands” anticipated that a surprise cut in August could be Micheal Clemons.
Clemons https://t.co/IJJHGpSYvQ
— Joe Caporoso (@JCaporoso) May 4, 2024
After facing criticism on social media, Caporoso added, “Even though it's not a popular tweet (and that's okay!), it reminds me of talking about Max Mitchell around this time last year, who is also unlikely to make the 53-man roster this year, in my opinion (and thinking MC1 was better than he was), following a fourth-round trend.”
NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein referred to Clemons as a “twitchy” pass rusher during the pre-draft process.
Clemons Is a Polarizing Player for the Jets
The former Texas A&M product was drafted as the No. 117 overall pick in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft.
Clemons has participated in 32 out of 34 possible games during his two years in the NFL. He has forced a fumble, recorded seven quarterback hits, three sacks, and has amassed 63 tackles.
Clemons has a very distinctive personality. He has intimidating size at 6 feet 5 inches and weighs 270 pounds.
Last year, he made his training camp debut was walking shirtless, carrying a baseball bat wrapped in barbed wire.
During the Week 17 contest between the Jets and the Cleveland Browns, Clemons went viral on the sideline, he said, “F*** You” to every fan.
However, Clemons’ confrontation with Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Dion Dawkins gained the most attention.
Jets Coaching Staff Loves Clemons and What He Brings to the Team
Despite the opinions of some Jets fans and other fan bases in the NFL, the coaching staff has a great fondness for Clemons.
General manager Joe Douglas told Jets senior reporter Eric Allen that Clemons could help fill the gap left by veteran defender John Franklin-Myers in 2024.
“We are excited about the rushers that we have. You know we feel like we have some young guys that can step up and kind of take that ambassador of violence role that JFM had for a few years here. You can talk about a guy like Micheal Clemons. This is year three for Mike, he has developed and gotten better his first two years here. It’s a great opportunity for him to kind of take that baton from JFM and really be the enforcer on our defense,” Douglas explained.
Clemons has the ability to play inside and outside. That versatility makes him an incredibly attractive piece for the defensive coaching staff and even more invaluable from a 53-man roster perspective. The more you can do, the more attractive and valuable you are to the team.
“The Jets need Clemons to take a major leap forward in the Franklin-Myers role to help ease the pain of that deal,” Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic said.
The talent and versatility are evident, but Clemons needs to maintain his focus. Clemons has faced issues with penalties and errors early in his career. However, if he focuses, Clemons could be a long-term fixture on this Jets defensive line for the foreseeable future.
