It’s Year Three of the Joe Douglas regime as New York Jets general manager. The process of building the Jets into a future contender has been slow and – at times – tedious. But the fanbase has been largely optimistic on what he can build upon this offseason. The Jets have four selections within the first 48 picks in this year’s NFL draft and will have a healthy amount in salary cap space in free agency. So, which positions will the New York Jets address depth on offense in the draft or in free agency?
Quarterback
At quarterback, the New York Jets will address depth through free agency by re-signing Mike White. Last year, the New York Jets were confident enough to take Zach Wilson second overall in the draft. Though it took a while, the team was starting to see Wilson develop into a capable quarterback. They’ll need to add some pieces to further boost Wilson’s development, but what of his backup? White is a free agent and he will probably going to want a bump in pay from the $850,000 he made in 2021. The Jets will probably reward him because he did well enough in Wilson’s absence to earn a raise.
Running Back
How will the New York Jets address depth at running back? In the 2021 NFL Draft, the New York Jets drafted North Carolina’s Michael Carter in the fourth round. Carter emerged as RB1 in a packed running back room and finished with 639 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Tevin Coleman is a free agent and La’Mical Perine will probably be cut or traded. That leaves Ty Johnson – who was curiously streaky this season – and Austin Walter – who came off the practice roster due to injury. Douglas has drafted a running back the last two seasons, so I won’t be surprised if he does it again. Like last year, they’ll draft one in the later rounds. Hopefully, top running back prospects Kenneth Walker III and/or Breece Hall will be available then.
Wide Receiver
One of the ways the New York Jets will likely address depth at wide receiver is with a trade. Corey Davis was the big fish on offense that the New York Jets caught last season. Inconsistency and injury plagued the veteran last season and he eventually wound up on season-ending IR. There were glimpses of Elijah Moore becoming a star until he went on season-ending IR. Braxton Berrios, Jamison Crowder, and Keelan Cole are free agents; Berrios will be seeking a pay raise while Crowder and Cole will likely not be retained. Will the Jets have enough cap space to take a wide receiver to get Wilson to the next level? The big rumor is the Jets are making a play for Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley. Ridley played in only six games in 2021 but he could make an instant impact for the Jets.
Tight End
The Jets have options to address depth at tight end and it’s either through free agency or the draft. One of the biggest names in NFL free agency this offseason is Dallas Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz. Mike LaFleur’s system needs a pass-catching tight end like San Francisco has in George Kittle. Schultz fits this system PERFECTLY. What if Shultz is franchise tagged? They could stand pat with Ryan Griffin, who is returning from injury, or sign a veteran O.J. Howard (like C.J. Mosley, he’s an Alabama guy). Tyler Kroft will likely be left to find a job and Kenny Yeboah is still a project. The Jets had the opportunity at the Senior Bowl to look at Trey McBride, who is the top projected tight end in the draft. If McBride is available in the middle rounds, Douglas could snatch him, especially if he impressed the Jets enough.
Offensive Line
The New York Jets have two first-round picks in the draft and they can address depth at offensive line through the draft. Head coach Robert Saleh dropped zero hints that the Jets could select another tackle in the draft if former first overall pick Mekhi Becton doesn’t get his act together. If Evan Neal is available at four, do the Jets select him? Or do they take Tyler Linderbaum at center and move Connor McGovern to right guard? If they Jets take a defensive player at four, do they select Charles Cross or Kenyon Green at ten? Or maybe they trade down and take an offensive lineman later in the first round? The luxury of having options here is foreign for the New York Jets and addressing depth here is going to be a fun narrative come draft time.
Take a listen to Episode 57 of my podcast No Credentials Required where I and my friends Dan Goldstein and Kyle Rigney review the 2021 New York Jets season. You can listen at the link below or on your preferred podcast app. My analysis on the defense and special teams will be released tomorrow.
Listen to “Episode 57: NY Jets Fan Round Table (feat. Dan Goldstein and Kyle Rigney)” on Spreaker.
