June 14, 2025

After posting a career-high 158 tackles (league-leading 98 solo tackles) and being named team MVP in 2024, veteran LB Jamien Sherwood signed a three-year, $45 million contract with the New York Jets this offseason. At only 25 years old, the 6'2", 216-pound former fifth-round pick out of Auburn enters his prime while still flying under the radar in most IDP formats. After long-time team captain C.J. Mosley was sidelined by injury early in the year. Sherwood adopted the green dot play-calling responsibilities, rarely leaving the field. According to PFF, he logged over 1,000 snaps over 17 games and was one of only seven defensive players to play at least 950 snaps lined up in the box. With nearly 700 of those snaps seeing him assigned to the A or B-gap, the undersized LB seemed involved in every running play, leading a Jets defense that allowed only 4.1 yards per carry, good enough for seventh best in the NFL. Following the multi-year commitment from new head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey, Sherwood projects to be the centerpiece of an attacking, man-heavy defensive scheme. Having lost QB Aaron Rodgers and WR Davante Adams on the offensive side of the ball, and only being favored in five of their 2025 matchups. The Jets defense can again expect to provide plenty of tackle opportunities as their opponents run down the clock late in games. Currently RotoBaller's LB10, Sherwood could easily deliver a top-five IDP performance in 2025, particularly in leagues with tackle-heavy scoring, and he should be targeted in redraft and dynasty formats.--McGrumble