New York Jets defensive end Mohammad Wilkerson believes that his side are ready to make the step up to become a contender in the AFC once again.

The Jets missed the playoffs for the third straight season in the 2013 campaign, but managed to win half of their matches despite a tricky start to the year.

Wilkerson feels that the talent his side have on defense, which includes Sheldon Richardson, Quinton Coples, Damon Harrison, David Harris, Demario Davis, Kenrick Ellis and himself, can push the team forward.

He told the club's official website: "We're real young up front, we're very talented. We're pretty much in our prime now, and hopefully we'll get to play together for a long time. We feel like our time is now.

"Right now, it's not about individual goals. I just feel like everybody can do something a little better.There's always room for improvement, and I think myself and my teammates have been doing that this off-season, getting ready to get back.

"Because at the end of the day, I think we all understand that we have the ability to do something special here for the Jets."

Wilkerson recorded 63 tackles, 10.5 sacks and one interception in the 2013 season.