The Jets, Bears and Texans showed the most interest in signing former Rutgers DE Jamaal Westerman after the NFL Draft. Westerman chose to sign with the Jets for about $12,000 less than an undisclosed team was offering. The three-year college starter is second all time in school history with 30.5 sacks. However, he suffered a torn bicep in his senior season which forced him to miss the team’s bowl game and part of the scouting circuit.  He did show his toughness by playing the second half of his senior season with the torn muscle. During his  junior season the Ontatrio native made 14 TFL and eight sacks. He has recovered well from the surgery and his bench press is up to 25 reps.

Westerman has been working out as a standup linebacker in the 3-4 scheme. Not only can he get after the quartback but he can drop back in pass coverage. Westerman, was recruited out of high school as a linebacker. He has impressed coaches with his passion and sharpness. In his first four practices at LB  he has looked natural and more instinctive than 2008 first-round pick Vernon Gholston.

DE Shaun Ellis is entering his 11th season and DE Kenyon Coleman was traded to the Browns. Former Raven DE Marques Coleman is primarly a run stopper. Westerman has a fierey motor and should also be working with the defensive line to provide another pass rusher. However, he  would have to bulk up his 6′3″ 257-pound frame if he were to play on the line. Head Coach Rex Ryan has to be impressed that he graduated in four years and was a nominee for Academic All Big East.