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Carl Lawson fills a forever need for Jets: Pass rusher

Former Bengal Carl Lawson's speed gives the Jets a legitimate pass rushing threat. Credit: Getty Images/Brett Carlsen

If you think it’s been a while since the Jets have had a viable pass rusher, you’re right.

It’s been almost forever. Or at least it feels that way.

Not since the days of Shaun Ellis and John Abraham, two of the four first-round picks from 2000, has there been a reliable pass rusher on this team. The attempts to bring in the second coming of Mark Gastineau have been mostly pathetic.

In 2008, they thought Vernon Gholston, who set a school record at Ohio State the year before with 14 sacks in 13 games, would be the answer.