Offseason Analysis Series: New York Jets

Meaningful Additions: CB Sauce Gardner, WR Garrett Wilson, DE Jermaine Johnson, RB Breece Hall, TE Jeremy Ruckert, TE CJ Uzomah, TE Tyler Conklin, DB Jordan Whitehead, DE Jacob Martin, OG Laken Tomlinson, K Greg Zuerlein, DB DJ Reed, LB Kwon Alexander

Meaningful Losses: DB Marcus Maye, DL Foley Fatukasi, OT Morgan Moses, WR Jamison Crowder, WR Keelan Cole, TE Ryan Griffin

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What Happened Last Year?

(4-13) Fourth in AFC East

Offense

2021 second overall pick Zach Wilson was given the keys to the Jets offense upon his arrival in New York. Wilson had a bumpy first year finishing with 9 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while completing only 55.6% of his passes. In his 13 starts, his rocket arm was on display on a number of throws, but he was often careless in his decision making. I would be remiss to not mention the spectacle that was backup QB Mike White. White started 3 games in relief for an injured Wilson and provided quite the spark in a week 8 upset victory over the AFC champion Cincinnati Bengals. Wide receiver Braxton Berrios had his best year as a pro compiling 431 receiving yards, and more notably being named first team All Pro for his efforts in the return game. Rookie wideout Elijah Moore showed some promise on his way to 538 receiving yards and five touchdowns while struggling with injuries in the ladder half of the season. The Jet's offensive line got some exceptional performances from rookie guard Alijah Vera-Tucker and tackle Morgan Moses who filled in for the injured Mekhi Becton. They helped pave the way for Michael Carter, who played well in his first season out of UNC and showed that he is capable as both a runner and receiver.

Defense

The Jet’s defense was brutal in 2021. They lost splash free agent signee Carl Lawson to a torn Achilles last August and it was all downhill since. Robert Salem’s unit finished dead last in points and yards allowed on their way to bottom-four finishes in both rushing and passing yards allowed. On top of that they allowed their opponents to score on 48.9% of their drives and gave up the most first downs in the league. Their young secondary did not have any standout performers while their front seven got chewed up. John Franklin-Myers and Quinnen Williams notched six sacks a piece and it was nice to see injury ridden LB CJ Mosley start and play in 16 games while totaling 168 tackles, but the Jets were lacking ability and depth across the board.

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What's Changed?

Wheels up for Wilson

The Jets have surrounded Zach Wilson with some real players in year 2. The one-two punch of rookie Breece Hall and second year back Michael Carter should allow New York to have some pop coming out of their backfield in 2022. Hall is an athletic freak who measured at the maximum score of a 99 in the Next Gen Stats Draft model. The machine-learning model combines size, athleticism and college production to predict a prospect's odds of pro success. The Jets also added Ohio State’s Garrett Wilson who can line up all over the field and figures to see a major role. The additions of veterans CJ Uzomah and Tyler Conklin also give Wilson two veteran security blankets. Wilson is set up for success, and I believe he now has a chance to pull the Jets out of the basement of the AFC East.

Defensive Makeover

The Jet's loaded up on defense in free agency and the draft to address their problems from last season. Fourth overall pick Sauce Gardner will likely be thrust into the CB1 spot. At Cincinnati, Gardner utilized his long arms and 6'3" stature to be physical with, and shutdown opposing wideouts. During his entire college career, Gardner did not give up a single touchdown in coverage. The Jets also added former Buccaneer and downhill thumper Jordan Whitehead at the safety position. Whitehead is an under the radar addition who brings a menacing presence in the box and over the top of the defense. The Jets will also finally get to see edge rusher Carl Lawson hit the field after missing last season. He will be joined by New York's other first round pick, Florida State's Jermaine Johnson, who will look to use his length and speed off the edge to disrupt opposing passers.