Steve Wilks connection could land NY Jets this veteran locker room leader
Shaq Thompson could reunite with Wilks in New York.
Newly minted New York Jets defensive coordinator Steve Wilks has been given the keys to the defense under head coach Aaron Glenn. The former Detroit Lions DC will undoubtedly have input and a hands-on approach to all aspects of the team, but he has hired Wilks to coordinate that unit in a shared vision.
Under Wilks and Glenn’s shared philosophies, the Jets will run an aggressive hybrid scheme featuring much more man coverage than Robert Saleh and Jeff Ulbrich’s defenses deployed the last four seasons. Although the base defense will likely remain a 4-3, expect a heavy nickel-based alignment run by Wilks, with the slot cornerback position playing a pivotal role.
The new defensive staff is inheriting some outstanding players from a previous regime, who were handpicked to fit a specific style. Some, like star nickel Michael Carter II and cornerback Sauce Gardner, are seemingly perfect fits on paper for what Wilks wants to do defensively.
However, as is the case with any new coaching staff, they will want to recruit players familiar with their ethos.
Wilks is well respected by players for his tough love approach. This ideology is in lock step with Glenn’s, and several of his former soldiers are set to hit the open market. One in particular stands out as a player who could aid Wilks in the transition and help set the tone in the locker room.
