Jets' David Harris was called 'the best LB in the NFL' by teammate

Dec 29, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Jets inside linebacker David Harris (52) at the line of scrimmage against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets have fielded one of the best defenses in the league this season with the likes of Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie, and Marcus Gilchrist on the backend.

Up front, the Jets also have a great defensive line with Leonard Williams and Muhammad Wilkerson, but the linebacker group gets overlooked at times. Veteran linebacker David Harris has racked up 25 tackles in three games, while also forcing two fumbles. He seemingly never comes off the field, and rarely misses game action.

"He's probably the best linebacker in the NFL," Jets linebacker Demario Davis said via the New York Post. "He's just under the radar because he chooses to be under the radar. This is a guy who has 1,000 tackles in his career. He can get all the media attention and all the marketing he wants. But that's not his style, not his character."

Davis hasn't missed a game since 2008, his second year in the league. He's recorded more than 100 tackles in every season but three -- one of which he made 99 tackles. But beyond the numbers, Harris brings an important veteran presence to the Jets.

"That's how I've always been since I was little,"' Harris said. "In pee-wee football, my coach always preached, 'Act like you've been there before.' I just try to be the ultimate team player. I guess they say I'm my father's child. He was the same way -- go about his business, do what he's got to do to get the job done without any recognition or fanfare."

Harris is a cog on the Jets' defense that's ranked fourth in the league in yards allowed and has forced a league-high 11 turnovers.