Excluding QB, Jets 10 biggest offseason needs IMHO

[Sarge4Tide]

Obviously, 1st and foremost, the Jets have to figure out what direction they are going at QB, but excluding that, here are the team's 10 biggest needs in my humble opinion

1. Elite Wide Receiver
   With Mims and Crowder coming back, Josh Doctson back from Covid Opt Out, and with several decent backup options on the roster (Berrios, Cager, Malone) the Jets really just need 1 "big dog" elite #1 WR to be in really good shape at WR
   Where to Get One:  High Priced Free Agent, 1st or High 2nd Draft Pick
2. Elite Edge Rusher (OLB or DE)
   Our inside pass rush should be pretty solid next year, but, let's face it, our Edge Rush has been horrible for years. Bruce Huff is talented but doesn't look like an elite prospect, Tarrell Bashem is a UFA, Jabari Zuniga didn't show much but he might do better in the new scheme - basically the cupboard is bare
   Where to Get One:  High Priced Free Agent, 1st or High 2nd Round Draft Pick
3. Starting Safety
   Marcus Maye is an UFA, Ashtyn Davis showed promise but is coming off injury.  We have a couple of guys who are decent back-ups (Hassell, Jackson). Priority #1 is to resign Maye, of course
   Where to Get One:  Resign Maye, High Priced Free Agent, 2nd Round Draft Pick
4. Starting Cornerback
   We have a bunch of guys who can play at CB - Austin, Hall, Guidry, Jackson, Ballentine -  but we need a  true #1 CB, Hall might be that guy, we don't know.  Even if he is, another starting CB is a priority.  Even if we resign Poole, we still need a top CB
   Where to Get One:  High Priced Free Agent, 1st or High 2nd Round Draft Pick
5. Starting Defensive End
   Jets don't really have a classic 4-3 defensive end right now.  Franklin-Myers might be okay on one side, maybe Zuniga can be more impactful as a 4-3 DE? Seems unlikely, but who knows?  
   Where to Get One:  Mid-Priced Free Agent, 2nd or 3rd Round Draft Pick
6. Outside Linebacker
   Basically, there is no one resembling a starting 4-3 outside linebacker on the roster.  No one.  Frankie Luvu is an exclusive rights free agent, he might at least be a solid backup.  Huff might be a decent backup as well - he's athletic and instinctive and comes cheap, so there's that.
   Where to Get One:  Mid-Priced Free Agent, 2nd - 4th Round Draft Pick
7. "Workhorse" Running Back
   Lamichael Perine and Ty Johnson are talented and seem to fit more of a west coast system, so it wouldn't surprise me if each of them is seen as an asset by the new coaching staff.  Don't think we need a superstar RB in that system, but we do need more of a workhorse type (someone under the age of 38),  
   Where to Get One:  Mid-Priced Free Agent, 3rd or 4th Round Draft Pick
8. Starting (?) Guard
   All 5 "starting" offensive linemen are back if we count Alex Lewis as a starter at LG.  I thought Pat Elflein looked solid at times at LG.  If we resign Elflein, if they like Lewis, or if they think Cam Clark is a legit prospect at Guard, we might be ok, but those are all big "ifs"
   Where to Get One:  Resign Elflein, Mid-Priced Free Agent, 3rd or 4th Round Draft Pick
9. Tight End
   Chris Herndon is under contract - does the new staff value him or are his days numbered?  We don't know.  Ryan Griffin who played a little better as the year went on is also back as is Trevon Wesco who might be valuable as an H Back/fullback in the new system.  Would not be surprised to see some wholesale changes at TE.  IF the Jets sign a free agent TE or spend a high draft pick on a TE, we'll know what's up
   Where to Get One:  Mid-Priced Free Agent, 4th or 5th Round Draft Pick
10. Inside Linebacker
    Assuming Moseley comes back and can play at a solid level close to his prime, we are okay for starters.  Maybe Blake Cashman can stay healthy and be a backup? Harvey Langi is a restricted free agent, so he might be back  Would love to keep UFA Neville Hewitt who, obviously, played very well in 2020
    Where to Get One:  Resign Hewitt, 4th or 5th Round Draft Pick

 

[Jethead]

Sign Chris Godwin and Trey Hendrickson.

Draft D. Smith and best CB, Edge, IOL available at #23

Trade Sam and one of next year's 1's for Stafford

Win division next year

[kelly]

if i may,.. why are you Limiting it to 10  ?  ?

[section314]

Pretty solid list. I would switch your #1 and #2.  Shaq Barrett and JPP changed that game. I would love it if we used our #23 or #34 pick on a G, if we still have them.? Also think Cam Clark is in their plans. I am a much bigger Luvu fan  than many. I think he showed very well when he finally got the chance the last 5-6 games this year. And he's only a pup.

[More Cowbell]

As far as S, did I miss something with Ashtyn Davis, because what I remember  is him getting owned by TE's all season.

[section314]

28 minutes ago, More Cowbell said:

As far as S, did I miss something with Ashtyn Davis, because what I remember  is him getting owned by TE's all season.

Then continue to develop him. The last guy like that that we had just got us two #1's and a 3rd.?

[HessStation]

First you have to make some assumptions that there’s no diamonds in the rough bench players from last year like a Cameron Clark for example, whom I’m still kinda excited about seeing. But ok:

1. LG

2. RT

3. RG

4. WR

5. TE

6. RB

7. EDGE

8. EDGE

9. CB

10. CB

[rangerous]

28 minutes ago, Sarge4Tide said:

Obviously, 1st and foremost, the Jets have to figure out what direction they are going at QB, but excluding that, here are the team's 10 biggest needs in my humble opinion

1. Elite Wide Receiver
   With Mims and Crowder coming back, Josh Doctson back from Covid Opt Out, and with several decent backup options on the roster (Berrios, Cager, Malone) the Jets really just need 1 "big dog" elite #1 WR to be in really good shape at WR
   Where to Get One:  High Priced Free Agent, 1st or High 2nd Draft Pick
2. Elite Edge Rusher (OLB or DE)
   Our inside pass rush should be pretty solid next year, but, let's face it, our Edge Rush has been horrible for years. Bruce Huff is talented but doesn't look like an elite prospect, Tarrell Bashem is a UFA, Jabari Zuniga didn't show much but he might do better in the new scheme - basically the cupboard is bare
   Where to Get One:  High Priced Free Agent, 1st or High 2nd Round Draft Pick
3. Starting Safety
   Marcus Maye is an UFA, Ashtyn Davis showed promise but is coming off injury.  We have a couple of guys who are decent back-ups (Hassell, Jackson). Priority #1 is to resign Maye, of course
   Where to Get One:  Resign Maye, High Priced Free Agent, 2nd Round Draft Pick
4. Starting Cornerback
   We have a bunch of guys who can play at CB - Austin, Hall, Guidry, Jackson, Ballentine -  but we need a  true #1 CB, Hall might be that guy, we don't know.  Even if he is, another starting CB is a priority.  Even if we resign Poole, we still need a top CB
   Where to Get One:  High Priced Free Agent, 1st or High 2nd Round Draft Pick
5. Starting Defensive End
   Jets don't really have a classic 4-3 defensive end right now.  Franklin-Myers might be okay on one side, maybe Zuniga can be more impactful as a 4-3 DE? Seems unlikely, but who knows?  
   Where to Get One:  Mid-Priced Free Agent, 2nd or 3rd Round Draft Pick
6. Outside Linebacker
   Basically, there is no one resembling a starting 4-3 outside linebacker on the roster.  No one.  Frankie Luvu is an exclusive rights free agent, he might at least be a solid backup.  Huff might be a decent backup as well - he's athletic and instinctive and comes cheap, so there's that.
   Where to Get One:  Mid-Priced Free Agent, 2nd - 4th Round Draft Pick
7. "Workhorse" Running Back
   Lamichael Perine and Ty Johnson are talented and seem to fit more of a west coast system, so it wouldn't surprise me if each of them is seen as an asset by the new coaching staff.  Don't think we need a superstar RB in that system, but we do need more of a workhorse type (someone under the age of 38),  
   Where to Get One:  Mid-Priced Free Agent, 3rd or 4th Round Draft Pick
8. Starting (?) Guard
   All 5 "starting" offensive linemen are back if we count Alex Lewis as a starter at LG.  I thought Pat Elflein looked solid at times at LG.  If we resign Elflein, if they like Lewis, or if they think Cam Clark is a legit prospect at Guard, we might be ok, but those are all big "ifs"
   Where to Get One:  Resign Elflein, Mid-Priced Free Agent, 3rd or 4th Round Draft Pick
9. Tight End
   Chris Herndon is under contract - does the new staff value him or are his days numbered?  We don't know.  Ryan Griffin who played a little better as the year went on is also back as is Trevon Wesco who might be valuable as an H Back/fullback in the new system.  Would not be surprised to see some wholesale changes at TE.  IF the Jets sign a free agent TE or spend a high draft pick on a TE, we'll know what's up
   Where to Get One:  Mid-Priced Free Agent, 4th or 5th Round Draft Pick
10. Inside Linebacker
    Assuming Moseley comes back and can play at a solid level close to his prime, we are okay for starters.  Maybe Blake Cashman can stay healthy and be a backup? Harvey Langi is a restricted free agent, so he might be back  Would love to keep UFA Neville Hewitt who, obviously, played very well in 2020
    Where to Get One:  Resign Hewitt, 4th or 5th Round Draft Pick

 

good list.  realistic about the defensive needs to all of those people who just scream offense.  i think i'd put the offensive guard above the running back if your number are priorities.

[Sperm Edwards]

4 minutes ago, section314 said:

Pretty solid list. I would switch your #1 and #2.  Shaq Barrett and JPP changed that game. I would love it if we used our #23 or #34 pick on a G, if we still have them.? Also think Cam Clark is in their plans. I am a much bigger Luvu fan  than many. I think he showed very well when he finally got the chance the last 5-6 games this year. And he's only a pup.

Depends what they do in FA. If they somehow add 2 serious iOL FAs then we're unlikely to see a G before day 3, nor should we. 

Hard to get a gauge on Clark. I'm most discouraged by how easily he was leapfrogged by a recently-cut bust when they were playing for nothing more than pride, and how Elflein's own meh play was more than adequate enough to keep Clark from seeing the field (was he even activated for any games as a backup?). He must have sucked something fierce in practice, and it's not like he was likely to be getting many practice reps against the team's own starting DL. Lots of guys make a big leap from y1 to y2 (particularly a raw prospect missing half his rookie season, to say nothing of the abbreviated summer anyway from covid), but team desire aside it's not looking good for him so far. 

I think a lot of people like Luvu, but that doesn't mean they're necessarily into depending on him for 16 starts as a primary plan. There's like and there's like-like, but yeah it's a good thing to find starters who don't break the bank or require high draft picks. Especially when the team has so many holes to fix they can't possibly address them all with (good) permanent solutions in just one offseason.

[derp]

A few thoughts:

The elite edge rusher at 2 is almost certainly going to be a defensive end unless Saleh deviates dramatically from what he did in SF. I think it’s nice if one of the linebackers can rush a little but his linebackers were all sub 240. Not going to find a consistent edge rusher like that. I actually think they’re going to double dip here.

I’m very curious to see what Saleh thinks about the safety position since one of those guys ideally needs a lot of range. I’d expect Maye back but you never know. Davis kind of fits but he’s also remarkably unproven.

Since there’s going to be a lot of zone run I think corner is kind of important but it’s not going to get a lot of resources thrown at it. I could see them signing Williams to help install the defense as a nickel since a lot keyed off of him in SF. Otherwise, speed and man coverage skills aren’t as important as size and arm length, and those aren’t traits that are prioritized in corners to the extent that they require significant investment (FA dollars or draft picks). That’s compounded by the fact that the Jets have a lot of big, long corners who might fit better running a lot of zone already. I wonder if it’s part of the appeal from Saleh’s standpoint. I think the Jets do a lot less here than fans expect.

The other end position is interesting as well. Saleh had Arik Armstead as his starting strongside end - Armstead is 6’7, 290. Not really a prototypical end. It’s similar to corner in a way - guys like Franklin-Myers and Kyle Phillips don’t really look like prototypical 4-3 ends but when you look at them through the lens of what Saleh had in SF it’s a little more reasonable. I think, similar to corners, those guys are okay fits for what he does and fine as hold the fort players on a team with a ton of needs. Bigger focus on the weak side ends.

I agree with linebacker in general. I’ve posted this in other threads but Saleh’s 2020 starting linebackers were a 2018 third round pick, a 2019 fifth round pick, and a 2019 UDFA. I don’t know if significant investments go here but there could be a quiet overhaul.

Don’t think the Shanahan offense necessarily needs a workhorse type back but I do think they need to add bodies. That whole SF backfield had guys who could break big plays. I’d hope for more of the same here.

[Sonny Werblin]

I'm totally with the OP as to the LB corps. None of them are suited to be a 4-3 OLB. I am hopeful the Jets will draft Chazz Surratt, Jabril Cox and/or Joe Tryon to play OLB. I think any of the 3 would start as a rookie. My dream is for the Jets to draft Surratt and one of the other 2. But, alas, I am a Jet fan and, as a result, I know for a fact that Jet dreams do not come true.

[Warfish]

I'll continue to disagree that Defense is a priority, at all, for us at current.

We need a heavy, major, all-in investment on our worst-in-NFL-for-two-decades Offense.

Simply changing coaches isn't enough, no system or coach is magic.

I don't care if we're middle of the road on Defense, I DO care if we're middle of the road (or worse, dead last) in Offense, because Offense is what wins in 2020 in the NFL.

The idea that FIVE of our top SIX biggest needs are Defense makes me want to vomit. 

It's the same insanity this franchise has been engaging in for literally three+ decades now, and has yet to work.  Defense.  Doesn't.  Win. 

Our biggest needs are, in order, QB, WR, O-Line (T), O-Line (G), RB, WR, O-Line (C), TE.

I wouldn't draft a single Defensive player till those needs are met.  A sack or two every other game from some "elite EDGE" guy isn't going to win us football games. 

Adding actual talent across the board to our Offense is the only route to return to competitiveness.

 

[peebag]

2021 - the year of the offensive line rebuild.

[New York Mick]

1. WR

2. 4 OL

3. CB

4. CB

5. RB

6. ED

[JerseyJoe67]

Coaching is going to come into play with these decisions in a big way ... we need to see what the new coaching staff thinks of the guys on the roster.

Something that stood out to me that Saleh said is "we are going to be looking at some guys possibly making a position change"... guys like Zuniga could be a great piece in the new D , too.
I think a lot of these guys will perform better just due to the coaching change .

[section314]

31 minutes ago, derp said:

A few thoughts:

The elite edge rusher at 2 is almost certainly going to be a defensive end unless Saleh deviates dramatically from what he did in SF. I think it’s nice if one of the linebackers can rush a little but his linebackers were all sub 240. Not going to find a consistent edge rusher like that. I actually think they’re going to double dip here.

I’m very curious to see what Saleh thinks about the safety position since one of those guys ideally needs a lot of range. I’d expect Maye back but you never know. Davis kind of fits but he’s also remarkably unproven.

Since there’s going to be a lot of zone run I think corner is kind of important but it’s not going to get a lot of resources thrown at it. I could see them signing Williams to help install the defense as a nickel since a lot keyed off of him in SF. Otherwise, speed and man coverage skills aren’t as important as size and arm length, and those aren’t traits that are prioritized in corners to the extent that they require significant investment (FA dollars or draft picks). That’s compounded by the fact that the Jets have a lot of big, long corners who might fit better running a lot of zone already. I wonder if it’s part of the appeal from Saleh’s standpoint. I think the Jets do a lot less here than fans expect.

The other end position is interesting as well. Saleh had Arik Armstead as his starting strongside end - Armstead is 6’7, 290. Not really a prototypical end. It’s similar to corner in a way - guys like Franklin-Myers and Kyle Phillips don’t really look like prototypical 4-3 ends but when you look at them through the lens of what Saleh had in SF it’s a little more reasonable. I think, similar to corners, those guys are okay fits for what he does and fine as hold the fort players on a team with a ton of needs. Bigger focus on the weak side ends.

I agree with linebacker in general. I’ve posted this in other threads but Saleh’s 2020 starting linebackers were a 2018 third round pick, a 2019 fifth round pick, and a 2019 UDFA. I don’t know if significant investments go here but there could be a quiet overhaul.

Don’t think the Shanahan offense necessarily needs a workhorse type back but I do think they need to add bodies. That whole SF backfield had guys who could break big plays. I’d hope for more of the same here.

Sounds like Anderson.

[section314]

12 minutes ago, Warfish said:

I'll continue to disagree that Defense is a priority, at all, for us at current.

We need a heavy, major, all-in investment on our worst-in-NFL-for-two-decades Offense.

Simply changing coaches isn't enough, no system or coach is magic.

I don't care if we're middle of the road on Defense, I DO care if we're middle of the road (or worse, dead last) in Offense, because Offense is what wins in 2020 in the NFL.

The idea that FIVE of our top SIX biggest needs are Defense makes me want to vomit. 

It's the same insanity this franchise has been engaging in for literally three+ decades now, and has yet to work.  Defense.  Doesn't.  Win. 

Our biggest needs are, in order, QB, WR, O-Line (T), O-Line (G), RB, WR, O-Line (C), TE.

I wouldn't draft a single Defensive player till those needs are met.  A sack or two every other game from some "elite EDGE" guy isn't going to win us football games. 

Adding actual talent across the board to our Offense is the only route to return to competitiveness.

 

I don't know....Tampa has all those on offense, but Shaq Barrett and JPP won that game. And it was a pretty big game.

[UntouchableCrew]

I really think in terms of priority (i.e. where we spend the high picks or money) it goes:

Wide Receiver, interior OL, edge, and CB.

We'll need to shore up our LBs/safeties, add a RB and TE etc. but those are secondary.

To run this 4-3 we need a real edge rusher DE and we need a CB1.

On offense we need a true playmaker at WR and to beef up the IOL at C and G. 

It's hard to come up with scenarios without deciding what we're doing at QB, but those are the four big needs.

[Matt39]

Edge, receiver, edge, RB, CB, Edge, WR

[derp]

10 minutes ago, section314 said:

Sounds like Anderson.

I think Anderson makes too much money and he’s getting cut.

[SayNoToDMC]

Biggest need was a real coach which we filled. I think Mims can be elite at WR. I thought he was the #3 prospect last year in a deep WR class, also Crowder might be Antonio Brown for all we know with the numbers he's put up in his career with dog sh*t offenses. We need another WR for sure but don't think it's our #1 need

[section314]

4 minutes ago, derp said:

I think Anderson makes too much money and he’s getting cut.

Possibly, but they may bite that bullet if he fits the bill.

[Irish Jet]

29 minutes ago, Warfish said:

I'll continue to disagree that Defense is a priority, at all, for us at current.

We need a heavy, major, all-in investment on our worst-in-NFL-for-two-decades Offense.

Simply changing coaches isn't enough, no system or coach is magic.

I don't care if we're middle of the road on Defense, I DO care if we're middle of the road (or worse, dead last) in Offense, because Offense is what wins in 2020 in the NFL.

The idea that FIVE of our top SIX biggest needs are Defense makes me want to vomit. 

It's the same insanity this franchise has been engaging in for literally three+ decades now, and has yet to work.  Defense.  Doesn't.  Win. 

Our biggest needs are, in order, QB, WR, O-Line (T), O-Line (G), RB, WR, O-Line (C), TE.

I wouldn't draft a single Defensive player till those needs are met.  A sack or two every other game from some "elite EDGE" guy isn't going to win us football games. 

Adding actual talent across the board to our Offense is the only route to return to competitiveness.

 

Superb post.

Amazes me how people don't see right tackle as a need. Fant is abysmal. The guards are also abysmal. These are the areas along with WR that I'd prioritise investment. The interior of the line has been absolutely f*ck awful since Mangold started to decline. We have to invest in it like we did with him. 

[Alka]

1 hour ago, section314 said:

Pretty solid list. I would switch your #1 and #2.  Shaq Barrett and JPP changed that game. I would love it if we used our #23 or #34 pick on a G, if we still have them.? Also think Cam Clark is in their plans. I am a much bigger Luvu fan  than many. I think he showed very well when he finally got the chance the last 5-6 games this year. And he's only a pup.

After the QB, the #1 priority is at wide receiver.   You have to account for injuries, and without a top wide receiver, we ain't much better than we were this past year.  I don't care who we have at QB if that's the case.  After wide receiver, I agree it's edge pass rusher.

[RedBeardedSavage]

We need to spend our high picks on offense, but I'm absolutely cool with spending mid-rounders on defense - specifically @ cornerback, edge and 4-3 OLB. 

Similar feeling on free agency as well, the big $ should be reserved for offense but I'm good with bringing in some vets on D, on low to mid-range contracts, to facilitate the switch in scheme. 

[derp]

1 hour ago, section314 said:

Possibly, but they may bite that bullet if he fits the bill.

Maybe, but I think a few things make it unlikely. One, Douglas is going to deem if the guy is worth the cap savings, would he sign Anderson to a one year deal worth a little over eight million? My guess is no. Two, I think that’s compounded by the decreasing cap. Going to be a lot of team friendly contracts this offseason with a lot of teams in cap trouble, that cap space is worth more than a normal offseason.
 

And also, Armstead is a really good athlete for 290. You’re going to have an easier time getting someone to be comparably disruptive in the high 270’s or the 280’s versus having Anderson do it at 300.

[section314]

9 minutes ago, derp said:

Maybe, but I think a few things make it unlikely. One, Douglas is going to deem if the guy is worth the cap savings, would he sign Anderson to a one year deal worth a little over eight million? My guess is no. Two, I think that’s compounded by the decreasing cap. Going to be a lot of team friendly contracts this offseason with a lot of teams in cap trouble, that cap space is worth more than a normal offseason.
 

And also, Armstead is a really good athlete for 290. You’re going to have an easier time getting someone to be comparably disruptive in the high 270’s or the 280’s versus having Anderson do it at 300.

Very good point.

[kelly]

2 hours ago, peebag said:

2021 - the year of the offensive line rebuild.

..hope so  ?

[TheClashFan]

Okay, setting aside QB, and assuming the Jets don't trade for DW:

1. WR - need a true #1 guy. Either FA or no later than 2nd round.

2, IOL - need 2 of these...I'd prefer to draft a stud C in round 2-3 (move McGovern to G), and sign a good G as a FA

3. RT - Fant is just a hold-the-fort guy. Take one in round 3 or 4..

4. TE/RB - Maybe an inexpensive FA, maybe a 3rd rounder or later.

5. Defense.  Sorry, but it has to wait until the 3rd round at the earliest.  Maybe a couple of hold-the-fort FA.

JD is almost certain to trade down at least once, either with the #2 pick, the Seattle first, and/or the early 2nd.

[Bronx]

In other words, we need a team.

[Warfish]

3 hours ago, section314 said:

I don't know....Tampa has all those on offense, but Shaq Barrett and JPP won that game. And it was a pretty big game.

Tampa is better on Offense than on Defense, and Tom Brady is why they are where they are, but they were top 10 on both sides of the ball.  And sure, the Defense can save the Offense once in a while, sure.

Obviously that's a goal, lol, to be great everywhere all the time. 

But we're not Tampa yet.

And I will not accept another year of 31st ranked Offensive performance no matter WHO the Coach or QB is, plain and simple.

I'd rather lose 31-30 every week than lose 6-3. JMO.

[QB1]

Every position on offense minus LT is a need 

[section314]

7 minutes ago, Warfish said:

Tampa is better on Offense than on Defense, and Tom Brady is why they are where they are, but they were top 10 on both sides of the ball.  And sure, the Defense can save the Offense once in a while, sure.

Obviously that's a goal, lol, to be great everywhere all the time. 

But we're not Tampa yet.

And I will not accept another year of 31st ranked Offensive performance no matter WHO the Coach or QB is, plain and simple.

I'd rather lose 31-30 every week than lose 6-3. JMO.

I totally agree that the O has sucked for far too long, and has to be the focus of the majority of our FA and draft. That said, if we could get a good edge guy in FA, and maybe use either #23 or # 34, on another, and the rest on OL and skill guys, I would be a very happy fella.And I bet you would be too.

[Jet Nut]

3 hours ago, Warfish said:

I'll continue to disagree that Defense is a priority, at all, for us at current.

We need a heavy, major, all-in investment on our worst-in-NFL-for-two-decades Offense.

Simply changing coaches isn't enough, no system or coach is magic.

I tend to agree, I would rather lose with an exciting offense than lose at the same rate playing boring, offense needy football

But here's the thing, we weren't a mediocre defense we were almost as bad on defense as we were on offense.  And I do believe that adding weapons, yes weapons to an offense will help as will a change to a modern offense complete with motion, quick reads etc.  

So while I see the need for a emphasis on the offense of side of the ball to get those weapons, we still need serious help at EDGE, OLB & CB 

[Jet_Engine1]

5 hours ago, Sarge4Tide said:

Obviously, 1st and foremost, the Jets have to figure out what direction they are going at QB, but excluding that, here are the team's 10 biggest needs in my humble opinion

1. Elite Wide Receiver
   With Mims and Crowder coming back, Josh Doctson back from Covid Opt Out, and with several decent backup options on the roster (Berrios, Cager, Malone) the Jets really just need 1 "big dog" elite #1 WR to be in really good shape at WR
   Where to Get One:  High Priced Free Agent, 1st or High 2nd Draft Pick
2. Elite Edge Rusher (OLB or DE)
   Our inside pass rush should be pretty solid next year, but, let's face it, our Edge Rush has been horrible for years. Bruce Huff is talented but doesn't look like an elite prospect, Tarrell Bashem is a UFA, Jabari Zuniga didn't show much but he might do better in the new scheme - basically the cupboard is bare
   Where to Get One:  High Priced Free Agent, 1st or High 2nd Round Draft Pick
3. Starting Safety
   Marcus Maye is an UFA, Ashtyn Davis showed promise but is coming off injury.  We have a couple of guys who are decent back-ups (Hassell, Jackson). Priority #1 is to resign Maye, of course
   Where to Get One:  Resign Maye, High Priced Free Agent, 2nd Round Draft Pick
4. Starting Cornerback
   We have a bunch of guys who can play at CB - Austin, Hall, Guidry, Jackson, Ballentine -  but we need a  true #1 CB, Hall might be that guy, we don't know.  Even if he is, another starting CB is a priority.  Even if we resign Poole, we still need a top CB
   Where to Get One:  High Priced Free Agent, 1st or High 2nd Round Draft Pick
5. Starting Defensive End
   Jets don't really have a classic 4-3 defensive end right now.  Franklin-Myers might be okay on one side, maybe Zuniga can be more impactful as a 4-3 DE? Seems unlikely, but who knows?  
   Where to Get One:  Mid-Priced Free Agent, 2nd or 3rd Round Draft Pick
6. Outside Linebacker
   Basically, there is no one resembling a starting 4-3 outside linebacker on the roster.  No one.  Frankie Luvu is an exclusive rights free agent, he might at least be a solid backup.  Huff might be a decent backup as well - he's athletic and instinctive and comes cheap, so there's that.
   Where to Get One:  Mid-Priced Free Agent, 2nd - 4th Round Draft Pick
7. "Workhorse" Running Back
   Lamichael Perine and Ty Johnson are talented and seem to fit more of a west coast system, so it wouldn't surprise me if each of them is seen as an asset by the new coaching staff.  Don't think we need a superstar RB in that system, but we do need more of a workhorse type (someone under the age of 38),  
   Where to Get One:  Mid-Priced Free Agent, 3rd or 4th Round Draft Pick
8. Starting (?) Guard
   All 5 "starting" offensive linemen are back if we count Alex Lewis as a starter at LG.  I thought Pat Elflein looked solid at times at LG.  If we resign Elflein, if they like Lewis, or if they think Cam Clark is a legit prospect at Guard, we might be ok, but those are all big "ifs"
   Where to Get One:  Resign Elflein, Mid-Priced Free Agent, 3rd or 4th Round Draft Pick
9. Tight End
   Chris Herndon is under contract - does the new staff value him or are his days numbered?  We don't know.  Ryan Griffin who played a little better as the year went on is also back as is Trevon Wesco who might be valuable as an H Back/fullback in the new system.  Would not be surprised to see some wholesale changes at TE.  IF the Jets sign a free agent TE or spend a high draft pick on a TE, we'll know what's up
   Where to Get One:  Mid-Priced Free Agent, 4th or 5th Round Draft Pick
10. Inside Linebacker
    Assuming Moseley comes back and can play at a solid level close to his prime, we are okay for starters.  Maybe Blake Cashman can stay healthy and be a backup? Harvey Langi is a restricted free agent, so he might be back  Would love to keep UFA Neville Hewitt who, obviously, played very well in 2020
    Where to Get One:  Resign Hewitt, 4th or 5th Round Draft Pick

 

So, "Football Team" is the answer. Got it