Now that we are about halfway through the regular season, it is time to start considering which players are deserving of the Pro Bowl. For this series, we will look at the three most deserving candidates for each team. Obviously, some teams will have more or less than three players selected to the Pro Bowl, but for simplicity purposes, we will discuss the top three. Here are the top Pro Bowl candidates for the New York Jets.
Top Midseason New York Jets Pro Bowl Candidates
Quincy Enunwa
Despite a putrid season due to the Jets lethargic offense, wide receiver Quincy Enunwa is having a breakout year. After getting drafted in the sixth round in 2014, Enunwa has continued to translate his potential into production. Enunwa leads the team with three touchdown receptions and is second in catches (37) and yards (527). Through nine games, Enunwa eclipsed his 2015 receiving total.
Entering the season as the number three receiver, Enunwa has become a solid two after Eric Decker was placed on injured reserve. He has made big third down receptions and his deceptive speed has led to big plays. His ability to block is also an asset to the team as offensive coordinator Chan Gailey prefers to utilize physical pass catchers.
Leonard Williams
Defensive tackle Leonard Williams has been a bright spot on this struggling defense. The second year starter shows no signs of a sophomore slump as he continues building on his solid rookie campaign. One could go as far as to say he’s been the MVP of the team as he’s established himself as one of the best defensive lineman in the NFL.
Additionally, his rare combination of size and athleticism makes him a force to be reckoned with on the gridiron. The Jets are ranked fourth in the league in rushing defense and Williams is a big part of why. His ability to stuff the run and get after the quarterback have given the Jets something to look forward to as they look to the future. Williams leads the team with six sacks, which is tied for sixth in the league, and has a team high two forced fumbles. His ten tackles for loss is second in the league behind Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald.
David Harris
Veteran middle linebacker David Harris has been Mr. Dependable, providing stability as the quarterback of the defense. Harris, an every-down linebacker, relies on his strong football IQ to call defensive signals. He’s also reliable in regard to availability. Prior sitting out the game against the Arizona Cardinals after pulling a hamstring, Harris held a streak of 121 consecutive starts dating back to 2008, which was the longest for an active linebacker and second longest among current defensive players.
Despite entering his tenth season, he has been an effective run stopper and tackler. Despite missing time, Harris has totaled 45 tackles, third-most on the team, and two passes defensed. He is also 38 tackles shy of tying former Jets linebacker Mo Lewis for second on the franchise’s all-time tackles list.
