11 Most Important Jets For 2017

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11 most important Jets for 2017: Christian Hackenberg, Jamal Adams and more

Updated May 11, 2017 
Posted May 11, 2017

 

 

 

 

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By Connor Hughes | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Which players are most important for the Jets this coming season? Here's the list of the top 11, including Christian Hackenberg and Jamal Adams. 

 

 

So who's the most important?

Maybe a little bit of Joe Namath rubbed off on Muhammad Wilkerson?

With the Jets legend and Hall of Fame quarterback feet away, Wilkerson promised this year's team would win more than five games, dropping Namath's infamous phrase, "I can guarantee that."  The comment has been the punchline to a few jokes since. Partially because it's an overall weak guarantee, but also because many believe the Jets will fall short of five victories. 

But the Jets are obviously aiming for the playoffs, realistic or not. So if they are to make a run, which guys need to step up? We've compiled a list of the 11 most important Jets this coming season.

Note the key word here: Important. This isn't a list of the best players on the team. Think of these guys as those who must not only step up, but also take the next level in their development.

Quincy Enunwa is a more important player than Eric Decker, who's a better player. The Jets need Enunwa to evolve into that No. 1 guy, while Decker will keep doing his thing as an offense's security blanket. Brandon Shell isn't near the player guard James Carpenter is, but the Jets desperately need him to become a capable starting right tackle. 

See what we're saying?

So, without further ado, here are the most important Jets on the roster right now. 

 

 

Finding leadership

Here's what the Jets are doing

 

 

No. 11: Wesley Johnson, C

 

 

 

 

Wesley Johnson filled in well for an injured Nick Mangold last year. This season, he'll be the unquestioned starter. The Jets cut Mangold, in part, because the they felt Johnson could provide similar production at a fraction of the price. 

Johnson is the only true center on the roster. He'll need to make the calls at the line, and be the leader up front. There isn't a backup plan right now. if Johnson doesn't progress, the Jets' front could be in trouble. 

 

 

No. 10: Josh McCown, QB

 

 

 

 

You can argue Josh McCown is more important to the Jets' success, but let's be honest, he's here as a contingency plan for Christian Hackenberg. The Jets used a second-round pick on Hackenberg because they believe he can be a franchise quarterback. The organization hopes he develops and beats McCown for the starting quarterback job this summer.

But if he can't, at least the Jets have McCown as insurance. He's important for that reason. The best case scenario involves McCown never seeing the field. The worst case has him providing some stability to a potentially rocky position. 

 

 

 

No. 9: Brandon Shell, RT

 

 

 

 

The Jets offensive line can either be really good this year, or really bad. It certainly has the potential to be one of the better units in the league. Definitely above average. But it involves guys like James Carpenter and Brian Winters staying healthy, and Johnson and Brandon Shell developing. 

Shell looked good -- really good -- the final three games of last season. But now he's expected to be the every-down starter. There's a big difference. If he comes along as the Jets hope, he could be a cornerstone on this front for years to come. 

 

 

Working on leadership

Here's what Todd Bowles has his team doing

 

 

No. 8: Darron Lee, ILB

 

 

 

 

Darron Lee is immensely athletic, but he had a rocky rookie season. He over-pursued at times, and struggled with making his physical gifts work for him. He should be better this season, his second in the league. Correction: The Jets need him to be better. 

Veteran David Harris isn't getting any younger, and his play has been on the decline since 2014. The Jets are looking for young guys to step up, and be the new face of this defense. Lee is one of those players.

He was dynamic at Ohio State. He needs to do the same for the Jets in 2017. 

 

 

No. 7: Kelvin Beachum, LT

 

 

 

 

It has been a rocky couple of years for Kelvin Beachum. Between a season-ending injury with the Steelers in 2015, then a down year for the Bengals in 2016, Beachum is looking to reinvent himself with the Jets. The hope he does, too. 

The Jets can't have regular breakdowns on the left side of the line with all their questions at quarterback. 

 

 

Start Hackenberg?

Joe Namath wants Hackenberg in

 

 

No. 6: Muhammad Wilkerson, DE

 

 

 

 

Two years ago, Muhammad Wilkerson had a career-high 12 sacks. In 2016, plagued by injuries, he had just 4.5. Wilkerson wasn't the sole reason for the Jets' defensive struggles, but he played a part. 

The Jets believe Wilkerson can be a dynamic defensive lineman. They awarded him with a five-year, $86-million contract extension last July because of this. Wilkerson doesn't only have to pick up his play on the field, though, but the Jets need him to be a leader, too. 

 

 

 

No. 5: Quincy Enunwa, WR

 

 

 

 

Quincy Enunwa is a bit of a feel-good story. From little-known sixth-round pick in 2014, to now (potentially) the No. 1 receiver on the offense.

Last year, Enunwa caught 58 passes for 857 yards and four touchdowns. He played a combination of receiver, tight end and H-back. This year, he expects to play more as a traditional wideout. With Brandon Marshall gone, the Jets desperately need him to take the next step.

 

 

Trouble for Robby Anderson?

Here's the latest

 

 

No. 4: Leonard Williams, DE

 

 

 

 

Leonard Williams is the unquestioned best player on this Jets roster. He's a dynamic defensive lineman with the ability to not only dominate against the run, but also put regular pressure on a quarterback. In such a dark 2016, Williams was a bright spot. He had 68 tackles, two forced fumbles and seven sacks. 

But Williams needs to take the next step in his development. He needs to go from the Jets' best player, to one of the 5-10 best defenders in the NFL. 

 

 

No. 3: Morris Claiborne, CB

 

 

 

 

The Jets secondary was absolutely dreadful a year ago. They allowed 52 pass plays of 20-plus yards (14th most in NFL) and 13 of 40-plus (3rd most). They allowed 30 passing touchdowns (6th most) and intercepted just eight passes (second fewest). 

The only notable addition GM Mike Maccagnan made to the cornerback spot (outside of two sixth-round picks) was the signing of Morris Claiborne. The ex-Cowboy is undoubtedly talented, but has never played a full season in his five-year career. 

The Jets need him to be a lockdown player on the outside. If he can't, this cornerback unit could be worse than the 2014 Jets. And that's saying something. 

 

 

Rookie incoming

Could these two players play big roles in 2017?

 

 

No. 2: Jamal Adams, S

 

 

 

 

It's tough to say a rookie is this important to a team his first year, but Jamal Adams is. The Jets not only need him to step up on the field to help a horrific secondary, but also be a leader. Adams will likely be tasked with making the calls in the secondary. He has no veteran to bounce things off of. It's up to him to develop and progress faster than most. 

 

 

 

No. 1: Christian Hackenberg, QB

 

 

 

 

The Jets used a second-round pick on Hackenberg because they believe he can be a franchise quarterback. The Jets haven't had a franchise quarterback since Joe Namath, who last played for the team in 1976. 

They've got McCown as insurance, but make no mistake about it: They want Hackenberg to step in, take command of the offense, and win the quarterback job in camp. If he does, you're looking at a guy who can be the guy for the next 10-12 years. 

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2017/05/11_most_important_jets_for_2017_christian_hackenbe.html

 

[peebag]

Petty, Hack and the makeshift O-line.

[ASH1962]

11 minutes ago, peebag said:

Petty, Hack and the makeshift O-line.

Kukla, Fran & Ollie.

Kill me now please.

[joewilly12]

1 player is all that matters and thats the QB. 

[KRL]

The media & fans need to realize that Karl Dorrell (WR coach) and Steve Marshall (OLine coach) have done

great jobs developing talent since they've been here.  Those two positions are in capable hands and I believe

they will put out very good units even if the players don't have "name recognition" 

[Beerfish]

We will see how enumwa handles being higher up in the wr food chain, that means way tougher match ups and at times double coverage.

Hackenburg is the big story though, I think we will find our really early if there is something there or not. 

 

[j4jets]

33 minutes ago, KRL said:

The media & fans need to realize that Karl Dorrell (WR coach) and Steve Marshall (OLine coach) have done

great jobs developing talent since they've been here.  Those two positions are in capable hands and I believe

they will put out very good units even if the players don't have "name recognition" 

If the players don't have name recognition, but they play good, does that mean they have name recognition? 

 

[Integrity28]

2 hours ago, flgreen said:

The Jets haven't had a franchise quarterback since Joe Namath, who last played for the team in 1976. 

Vinny was a franchise level QB for the Jets.

If this doesn't happen: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/0ap3000000497727/Vinny-Testaverde-suffers-season-ending-injury

Then the fate of this organization is totally different. We have a SB contender. Parcells probably doesn't leave when he does. Beli potentially stays with Jets as the heir to Parcells. Brady and the cheating ******* Patriots dynasty never happens.

Give or take... anyway, Hack or Petty 2017 and beyond!

[varjet]

1 hour ago, KRL said:

The media & fans need to realize that Karl Dorrell (WR coach) and Steve Marshall (OLine coach) have done

great jobs developing talent since they've been here.  Those two positions are in capable hands and I believe

they will put out very good units even if the players don't have "name recognition" 

This is a really good point and "the good news."  They will undoubtedly be on the radar for eventual promotion.  Dorrell was actually HC of UCLA, so my guess is that he could move on relatively soon.

I also think that the hope is that Greene can do the same with the OLBs.

They are trying there.  I am waiting for the first sign of Old Woody.

[jpoppy717]

Agree on Dorrell and thought he should've been named OC.  More play-calling experience than Morton, which is to say, he has play-calling experience.

[bgivs21]

How is McCown & not Petty on this list? Petty showed some flashes last year & i would venture that again, he gets the nod to start before Hack.

[flgreen]

1 hour ago, bgivs21 said:

How is McCown & not Petty on this list? Petty showed some flashes last year & i would venture that again, he gets the nod to start before Hack.

I thought the same thing.  Afraid we are going to get the ole, "McCown gives us the best chance to win"  BS

[Jets0712]

The punter should be in there. Will see a lot of work. And need to pin the O inside the 10 more SERIOUSLY lol


Sent from my iPhone using JetNation.com mobile app

[BornJetsFan1983]

2 hours ago, bgivs21 said:

How is McCown & not Petty on this list? Petty showed some flashes last year & i would venture that again, he gets the nod to start before Hack.

 

59 minutes ago, flgreen said:

I thought the same thing.  Afraid we are going to get the ole, "McCown gives us the best chance to win"  BS

um .....

 

No. 10: Josh McCown, QB

You can argue Josh McCown is more important to the Jets' success, but let's be honest, he's here as a contingency plan for Christian Hackenberg. 

[flgreen]

1 hour ago, BornJetsFan1983 said:

 

um .....

 

No. 10: Josh McCown, QB

You can argue Josh McCown is more important to the Jets' success, but let's be honest, he's here as a contingency plan for Christian Hackenberg. 

Um.................

 

From the same No 10

" The organization hopes he develops and beats McCown for the starting quarterback job this summer."

If in Bowles eyes he doesn't  then "McCown gives us the best chance to win"  BS

 

 

[BornJetsFan1983]

8 minutes ago, flgreen said:

Um.................

 

From the same No 10

" The organization hopes he develops and beats McCown for the starting quarterback job this summer."

If in Bowles eyes he doesn't  then "McCown gives us the best chance to win"  BS

 

 

um .....

 

 touché

[Freemanm]

100% agree on Wes Johnson. The fact is, the Jets need to pick up an experienced center to at least be a backup. If Johnson goes down, the OL, which is already weak, will be disastrous. This is why I was disappointed when they traded down and didn't draft Pat Elflein in the third round.

[Pcola]

Anyone who is actually expecting Hackenberg to be anything other than third string QB is fooling themselves.  We all watched him last preseason and heard everyone whining about how he couldn't get any reps, etc last season.

What has he been able to do to during the offseason to change the FO's opinion of him?  This isn't saying he can't shock the world, it's just saying the likelihood is microscopic.  And the FO knows this.

Nothing he did in college or his rookie year showed any signs of being ready.  Not sure why everyone in the media is putting all this pressure on him.  It's not his fault the Jets are dumb and over drafted him.

[HessStation]

Not a bad ranking. Hackenberg just looks so quarterbacky. How will this guy suck.

[T0mShane]

The real list, for the non-impaired:

 

1. John Morton:

He's been around great coaches for the bulk of his career (Harbaugh, Carroll, Payton), so he should know a thing or two about offense, even though he only OC'd one year(?) for a Matt Barkley USC team. He's important because if he's good and the offense shows some life, he'll either save Bowles' job or take it away from him.

 

2. Mo Wilkerson:

He'll be the bellwether who tells us if Bowles is a dead man walking. If Mo starts to dog it, it's a sure sign that Bowles has lost the locker room again. He also represents the largest investment Maccagnan has made in a player, which then creates a CYA situation if he doesn't bring the heat.

 

3. ArDarius Stewart:

To date, Maccagnan's drafting of skill players has been awful. Stewart has been universally praised by every draft hack with a keyboard and he needs to be good, and quickly. If Bowles is let go, the Jets will need to sell a new HC on emerging young talent, particularly on offense, and Stewart  is one of two guys you can realistically market in that capacity right now.

 

4. Quincy Enunwa:

He's young, athletic, has the work ethic and desire to be pretty good, but he fell off last year as Fitz predictably crumbled. As an impending RFA, he's gotta prove he deserves the Robert Woods-type contact he'll command, so the motivation will be there. He'll be an acid-test player who reveals how good Morton is, and he's the other guy you can sell to a new coach.

 

5a. Hackenberg; 5b. Josh Rosen; 5c. Josh Allen:

As much as I hate this iteration of the Jets, I can't believe they're first-overall-pick bad. And I'm also presuming that Hacke will get a legitimate chance to play at some point, and I'm also supposing that Petty is finished here. Given all that, Hackenberg is either the future, or we're going to be drafting a non-Darnold QB next year. Rosen needs to prove he's not a wackbag and he can stay healthy, and Allen has to show that he's not some JUCO flunkie playing in a bush-league conference. These three guys represent the future of the Jets, so one of them needs to not be awful.

 

 

[Powpow]

11 hours ago, flgreen said:

I thought the same thing.  Afraid we are going to get the ole, "McCown gives us the best chance to win"  BS

Hate to say it but he does. ?‍♂️ Of course you can bypass McGowan's mediocrity and just split time with Petty and Hack which is the way I would have gone since you're probably going to get equal performance out of the position. At least going the kids you save the millions it cost signing McGowan and you get a better idea how they're progressing. Questions could be answered. Do Petty and Hack have the potential to hold onto? Is it worth waiting for then to continue to develop? Is Petty or Hack a viable candidate to start or hold onto to be a back up? Without playing them you can't really know. Or maybe they already know. ??‍♂️