3 ILBs the LA Rams can steal in NFL Free Agency market

Neville Hewitt

There’s another Jets’ inside linebacker who was a veritable iron-man on the field for them last season, as he played in all 16 games and lead the team in tackles, with 91 of the solo variety, too. That’s Neville Hewitt, also a college safety-turned linebacker at the pro level.

Coming into the league with Miami, he joined the Jets ahead of the 2018 season and was thrust into the spotlight in 2020 when middle linebacker C.J. Moseley opted out of the season due to Covid.

But the Jets had a terrible defense? I do believe a strong case can be made that the Jets defense this year held up its end of the bargain. It was the putrid offense and an erratic quarterback named Sam Darnold who was out there “throwing to ghosts” (and players in the wrong jersey color) that was the problem.

Hewitt emerged a team leader on defense and always played every down with grit and determination, in what was surely a most-trying season for him to endure last year. Signed for $2 million, I’m thinking a change of scenery, and greener pastures playing on a better team might be a smart move.

He’s a 6-foot-2, 234-pound punisher in the middle. He’s a snarler, a rabid pitbull who sheds blockers and delivers punishment. More than one running back rubs his limbs and hits the ben-gay after tangling with Hewitt.  Want physicality? Hewitt is the guy.

Not to mention, just about any linebacker worth their salts gets a step-up in basis when they play behind the likes of the NFC Defensive Player of the Year in Aaron Donald.