Gang Green Nation
The Jets recently acquired former Browns defensive tackle Jowon Briggs via trade. Today we break Briggs down in detail.
The 24-year old Briggs is listed at 6’3″ and 313 pounds and was a seventh round pick out of Cincinnati last season. Briggs played in the last six games of his rookie season, registering 13 tackles, two quarterback hits and a tackle for loss.
Background
Briggs was a four-star high school recruit whose career began at Virginia, where he became the first defensive lineman in 33 years to start the season opener as a true freshman.
He ended up starting seven of 13 games and recording 19 tackles, three tackles for loss and a sack in his freshman year and then ramped up his productivity in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season with 20 tackles and three sacks in seven games, all of which he started.
In 2021, he started five of 14 games and had 43 tackles and another three sacks, before deciding to enter the transfer portal.
He ended up in Cincinnati and was a first-team all-AAC selection in 2022 as he started 13 games and racked up a career-high 61 tackles. In 2023, he returned for a fifth season and was an all-Big 12 honorable mention as he had 27 tackles and a career-best six tackles for loss in 12 starts. He had five sacks in two seasons with the Bearcats.
After being invited to the Hula Bowl and East West Shrine Bowl, Briggs turned heads at his pro day and would ultimately be selected in the seventh round of the 2024 draft by the Cleveland Browns.
Although he didn’t make their final roster, Briggs stuck around on the Browns’ practice squad and got his shot late in the season. Over the last six games, he impressed in a rotational role off the bench.
Having drafted Mason Graham in the first round, the Browns had plenty of defensive line depth so they opted to earn some draft capital by trading Briggs to the Jets at the end of preseason. He has three more years remaining on his rookie contract, including this season, and has already made two appearances with the Jets.
Let’s move onto some more in-depth analysis of what Briggs brings to the table as a player, based on extensive research and film study.
Measurables/Athleticism
Much like Harrison Phillips, the first number that jumps out at you from Briggs’ workout metrics is the 39 bench press reps he managed at his pro day. His obvious strength landed him on Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List” as he also squats 700 pounds. deadlifts 655 and does 180 pound dumbbell presses.
It’s not just strength that he brings to the table, though. He was clocked at 18.6 miles per hour and ran an impressive 5.04 in the 40 yard dash at his pro day. His explosiveness and agility numbers were about average and he lacks ideal length, though.
Usage
Briggs has displayed an ability to play all over the line, starting three seasons...
