Niner Noise
FanSided

The top NFL player to watch from each team in 2017

By Peter Panacy

Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Jets 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Jets 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Jets — Defensive End Muhammad Wilkerson

Two seasons ago, New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson might have been considered one of the best defenders in the NFL.

That was before a disappointing 2016 though, where Wilkerson registered just 33 tackles and 4.5 sacks in an abysmal year for the Jets.

There isn’t much going on right for head coach Todd Bowles team right now. New York is coming off a five-win season, quarterback controversy and locker-room dissension. And reports of Wilkerson being out of shape to start this year is the least of the team’s concerns.

The Jets are ready to turn over leadership to players like rookie safety Jamal Adams. But Wilkerson has something to prove and will be a major focal point if New York wants to turn things around this year.