If you’re in New York, you have to be excited for the future of the NFL in the state. The Jets showed some flashes towards the end of the season that suggest they’re headed in the right direction, and they have plenty of draft capital and cap space to work with this year to continue to build out their roster. New York recently launched mobile sports betting, and when Jets’ football returns, there’s a chance they will be a team well worth betting on. Especially with DraftKings New York, one of the top mobile sportsbooks in the state. Let’s take a look at the ideal offseason for the Jets with the mindset of building this team into a winning squad in 2022.
Biggest Team Needs
Wide Receiver: The Jets drafted Elijah Moore last year, and Corey Davis is a very serviceable wideout, but the position could still use more talent. Denzel Mims isn’t long for the Jets, and his future NFL career is in question, while Jamison Crowder is likely set to leave in free agency. Adding a true X-receiver would be beneficial to allow Moore to continue to develop.
Right Guard: The offensive line is in solid shape, with Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker exciting young talents and Connor McGovern and Morgan Moses providing solid veteran play. However, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif could retire from the NFL to continue his medical career, and the Jets need to continue to bolster the line to help Zach Wilson.
Tight End: In addition to another wide receiver, the Jets could use a real pass-catching tight end as a safety blanket for Zach Wilson. None of Tyler Kroft, Ryan Griffin, Daniel Brown, and Kenny Yeboah cut it for the Jets, and Mike LaFleur’s offense needs a quality pass-catching tight end to fully unlock their potential. If they can find a tight end who can block as well, that would be even better.
Cornerback: The Jets allowed the third-most passing yards last season, and adding to their secondary will be a huge focal point. Bryce Hall looks like a legitimate long-term starter, but the rest of the cornerback room lacks talent and depth, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Jets add multiple cornerbacks to the roster this year.
Linebacker: Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich’s 4-3 scheme is reliant on solid linebacker play, and the Jets did not have consistency at that position outside of C.J. Mosley. Carl Lawson’s return from injury next year will help boost the pass-rush, but adding another rangy linebacker who can stop the run, rush the passer, and provide some pass coverage is a top priority.
Ideal Offseason Moves
Free Agency
The Jets are currently looking at just over $48 million in cap space, the fifth-most in the NFL. They do have some notable free agents of their own to make decisions on, a handful of whom they should absolutely bring back cost permitting. Morgan Moses had a solid year starting at right tackle, and while the Jets could draft an offensive tackle with one of their early selections, Moses likely still has some serviceable years left in the tank at 30 years old. Marcus Maye should be brought back, but he tore his Achilles in November, which leaves his future up in the air. If Maye is willing to sign a one-year prove-it deal, he should certainly be brought back.
If the Jets want to bring in a wide receiver in free agency, they have plenty of options to do so. Allen Robinson will likely be looking for a new team after a down year in Chicago. Chris Godwin becomes a free agent, but he tore his ACL late in the season and likely won’t be healthy to start the following year. If the Chargers opt not to bring back Mike Williams, he’s worth pursuing. Will Fuller, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Zach Pascal are lower-cost options worth considering.
On defense, there are plenty of options for the Jets. Cornerback is a huge priority, and there are a handful of veterans worth pursuing. The Broncos’ Kyle Fuller and Bryce Callahan could be deemed expendable by the team, while Kevin King, Darious Williams, and Charvarius Ward could be worth pursuing. If the Jets want to add to their linebacker room, I like the idea of bringing in Kamu Grugier-Hill after his strong season with the Texans. The Jets could look to address these positions in the draft, but they have plenty of cap room to add capable veterans on defense.
NFL Draft
The Jets have the #4 and #10 picks in the top ten, giving them plenty of opportunities to build out the roster. Aidan Hutchinson and Kayvon Thibodeaux, the top pass-rushers in the draft, will likely be gone by the fourth pick. Still, the Jets will have their choice between Kyle Hamilton and Derek Stingley Jr. Both players would be massive additions to the secondary and likely become the top coverage player on the roster right away. It’s hard to go wrong with either player, but I’m slightly partial to Hamilton as a ridiculous hybrid defender. Hamilton is 6’4”, 220 pounds, and delivers heavy hits with his entire frame, but he’s fast enough to provide rangy coverage and make plays all over the field.
At #10, the Jets could go in several different directions. If Ahmad Gardner is still on the board, pairing him with Hamilton or Stingley would be ridiculous. Garrett Wilson, Drake London, or Treylon Burks could provide that top receiver to the offense across from Elijah Moore and Corey Davis. Alternatively, the Jets could roll with a linebacker in Devin Lloyd or Nakobe Dean, who could help transform the front seven. Tyler Lindenbaum is another option who could be the team’s starting center for the next decade.
The Jets also have two early second-round picks at #35 and #38. Those picks could be used as trade assets to move up into the back of the first round like the team did with Alijah Vera-Tucker last year. If the Jets stick in those spots, they will have their choice between several playmakers. Daxton Hill would be a massive addition to the secondary. Jordan Davis would form a ridiculous defensive line with Quinnen Williams and John Franklin-Meyers. Jahan Dotson could also still be on the board if the Jets don’t get their receiver in the top ten.
For now, I’m going to pencil in the following picks for the Jets:
#4: Kyle Hamilton Jr.
#10: Garrett Wilson
#35: Daxton Hill
#38: Jordan Davis
Conclusion:
The Jets have a ton of avenues to improve their roster this offseason, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see them make a giant leap in Zach Wilson’s second season. The young nucleus on this roster is already strong, and with four picks in the top 40 in the draft, the Jets have the opportunity to bolster their youth in a big way. With the introduction of a few capable veterans on each side of the ball, and the potential to make a big-money play for Allen Robinson or Chris Godwin, this could be a massive offseason for the Jets. Look out for this team in 2022.
