2021 NFL Offseason: New York Jets

New York Jets (Last Year: 2-14)

2021 NFL Season Preview:

Veteran Additions:
RB Tevin Coleman, WR Corey Davis, WR Keelan Cole, TE Tyler Kroft, OT Morgan Moses, G Dan Feeney, DE Carl Lawson, DE Vinny Curry, DT Sheldon Rankins, LB Jarrad Davis, CB Justin Hardee, S Lamarcus Joyner.
Draft Picks:
QB Zach Wilson, G Alijah Vera-Tucker, WR Elijah Moore, RB Michael Carter, S Jamien Sherwood. Jets Rookie Forecast
Offseason Losses:
QB Sam Darnold, WR Breshad Perriman, G Pat Elflein, DT Henry Anderson, OLB Jordan Jenkins, OLB Tarell Basham, LB Neville Hewitt, CB Brian Poole, CB Arthur Maulet, S Bradley McDougald.

2021 New York Jets Offense:
The Jets were in full control of the Tank for Trevor Lawrence sweepstakes, but that ended abruptly when they unexpectedly defeated the Rams. This meaningless win could have drastic long-term ramifications for the franchise, as Lawrence was seen as the best quarterback prospect to enter the NFL Draft since at least Andrew Luck.

Of course, it won’t be a huge deal if Zach Wilson becomes a great professional quarterback. Wilson is coming off a terrific year at BYU and seems to have all the tools to be successful in the NFL. However, he’s a one-year wonder, so there’s some question as to Wilson being able to maintain that level of play. There are a wide range of outcomes regarding Wilson’s career, so the Jets will need to give him as much help as possible.

It’s fair to question if the front office did that as far as the receiving corps is concerned. The Jets signed Corey Davis to a big contract because the former Titan is coming off a big year. However, Davis, like Wilson, is a one-year wonder. He was considered a bust prior to 2020, so it remains to be seen if he can continue performing on a high level. It’s also unclear how Denzel Mims and Elijah Moore will play. The two second-round picks have potential, and Moore has been impressive at OTAs. Mims missed half the year with injuries in 2020.

The Jets did very little to fill their huge need at running back. They signed Tevin Coleman and used a fourth-round pick on Michael Carter, but neither option seems very promising. Unless Carter has a surprise rookie campaign, the Jets aren’t likely to have much of a strong rushing attack.

The one area the Jets seemed to upgrade for certain is the offensive line, thanks to their first-round trade. They moved from No. 23 to 14 in order to snag Alijah Vera-Tucker, who will be a big upgrade at guard. The rest of the interior blocking is average at best, with Greg Van Roten and Alex Lewis competing for the other guard spot next to mediocre center Connor McGovern.

New York is in better shape on the edge. Last year’s first-round pick, Mekhi Becton, enjoyed a tremendous rookie campaign. The sky is the limit with him, so he could improve greatly now that he has experience. His bookend, George Fant, isn’t a very good blocker, but he’s not a huge liability either. Morgan Moses was signed after the draft, and he could beat out Fant for the job.

2021 New York Jets Defense:
It seems like eons since the Jets have possessed a terrific edge rusher on their roster, but they finally found help in that area this offseason. They signed Carl Lawson, formerly of the Bengals, to a huge contract. Lawson will be worth it. He’s a 26-year-old dynamic talent with upside. He may be the only viable defensive end on the roster, but at least New York has some hope of generating edge pressure for a change.

The Jets weren’t done fixing their defensive line, as they signed Sheldon Rankins away from the Saints. Rankins was once a very good player, but numerous injuries have sapped his talent. Still, he’s only 27, so he could improve his health and revive his career. He’ll play next to stellar third-year player Quinnen Williams, while John Franklin-Myers, who had a surprise 2020 campaign, will serve as an effective situational pass rusher.

This improved pass rush can only help the secondary. This was necessary because it was in dire need of some assistance. The Jets’ starting cornerbacks are projected to be Blessuan Austin and Bryce Hall, neither of whom played well in 2020. New York spent a couple of fifth-round picks on Michael Carter II and Jason Pinnock, but it’s unclear how they’ll perform in the pros. Lamarcus Joyner was signed to help the situation in the slot, but he’s coming off a down year as well.

It would be difficult for the Jets not to be better at safety, but they easily are because of Marcus Maye. Taking advantage of the Jamal Adams trade, Maye quickly became one of the top safeties in the NFL. Ashtyn Davis, a 2020 third-round selection, could start next to Maye, but it also might be Joyner, who will be more effective at safety. If so, that would mean that someone named Javelin Guidry would be stationed in the slot.

The rest of the Jets’ back seven doesn’t get any better. C.J. Mosley is due back this year after opting out, but he hasn’t played football in two years. Suddenly nearing 30, Mosley is a huge unknown heading into 2021. What is clear is that the Jets don’t have much else at linebacker, with Blake Cashman and Jarrad Davis being pedestrian options.

2021 New York Jets Schedule and Intangibles:
There will be a battle between Sam Ficken and rookie Chris Naggar for the Jets’ starting kicker job. Ficken was 13-of-15 last year, but missed three of his 15 extra-point attempts.

Punter Braden Mann was just 27th in net yardage last year.

No touchdowns were scored for or against the Jets on special teams.

The Jets could accumulate some wins because of their easy slate. They get a fourth-place schedule, and they’ll be taking on the NFC South and AFC South.

2021 New York Jets Rookies:
Go here for the Jets Rookie Forecast, a page with predictions like which rookie will bust and which rookie will become a solid starter.

2021 New York Jets Positional Rankings (1-5 stars):

Quarterbacks	Offensive Line	Secondary
Running Backs	Defensive Line	Special Teams
Receivers	Linebackers	Coaching

2021 New York Jets Analysis: The Jets obviously can’t be any worse than they were last year. With a new head coach, a better quarterback and some superior talent in a couple of places, they’ll be more competitive. That may not translate into many wins right away, but if the Jets keep drafting well, they could be a playoff contender by 2022.

Projection: 4-13 (4th in AFC East)

2020 Projection: 3-13. 2020 Actual Result: 2-14.
2019 Projection: 10-6. 2019 Actual Result: 7-9.
2018 Projection: 5-11. 2018 Actual Result: 4-12.
2017 Projection: 2-14. 2017 Actual Result: 5-11.
2016 Projection: 6-10. 2016 Actual Result: 5-11.

NFL Draft Team Grade: B- Grade

Goals Entering the 2021 NFL Draft: The Jets will almost certainly select Zach Wilson at No. 2 overall. They have a solid offensive line in place for him, but could still use an upgrade or two. Talent is also needed at the play-making positions. Meanwhile, the poor defense must be addressed at every level.

2021 NFL Draft Accomplishments: New York went offense on the first two days and then defensive back on the final day. Seriously, they drafted five defensive backs on Saturday. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like that.

Some of the defensive back selections were good, while others were bad. As for the picks that mattered the most, the Jets, as expected, obtained their franchise quarterback, but then traded up nine spots for a guard. Alijah Vera-Tucker will be a nice protector for Wilson, but I didn’t like how the Jets squandered resources for a guard, when trading back would have been the better course of action, given all of their many needs.

The Jets also found two play-makers for Wilson in Elijah Moore and the first Michael Carter they picked. That helped the overall team grade, which would be higher if the Jets didn’t make that drastic trade in the first round.

NFL Draft Individual Grades:

2. Zach Wilson, QB, BYU – B Grade
Zach Wilson has been locked into the Jets for quite some time, but that doesn’t mean that this grade is a slam-dunk A+ like the Jaguars’ selection of Trevor Lawrence. There’s a ton to like about Wilson, given that he’s such a great talent with immense upside. However, Wilson is a one-year wonder and doesn’t have much experience against top-level competition. Some people in the NFL also questioned Wilson’s character. From the outside looking in, I may have preferred Justin Fields, but the Jets are probably getting a winner in Wilson.

14. Alijah Vera-Tucker, OT/G, USC – C Grade
I’m torn on this pick. On one hand, the Jets gave up a pair of third-round picks to move up for a guard. On the other hand, as I wrote above, I’m all for teams strengthening the offensive line for a young quarterback. Protecting Zach Wilson is paramount, but couldn’t the Jets have obtained a solid offensive lineman at No. 23? Guards can be found all over the draft, so giving up many resources for one doesn’t seem like a great decision.

34. Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss – B Grade
I’ve had Elijah Moore in the third round for a while, but moved him up late in the process. I still think this is a bit high for him, as Moore will be limited to the slot. It’s a bit of an odd fit for the Jets, but there’s no doubt that the Jets needed help at receiver, with their top player at the position being the underwhelming and inconsistent Corey Davis.

107. Michael Carter, RB, North Carolina – A Grade
The Jets had absolutely nothing at running back entering the draft, unless you count Tevin Coleman, which I don’t. Michael Carter was excellent in the Senior Bowl, so I thought there was a chance he could sneak into Day 2. This is great value.

146. Jamien Sherwood, S, Auburn – D Grade
Jamal Adams is gone, but Jamien Sherwood is probably not going to be the guy to replace him. Sherwood is a bad athlete, and it could be argued that he may have to move to linebacker. I didn’t have him as a draftable prospect.

154. Michael Carter, S, Duke – D Grade
Did the Jets just become the first team to draft two players with the same name in the same draft? That fact is more interesting than this prospect. Michael Carter is not a very good athlete, and I didn’t have him in any of my mock drafts. The Jets have made some dubious defensive back picks lately.

175. Jason Pinnock, CB, Pittsburgh – B+ Grade
The Jets need as many cornerbacks as possible to deal with all of Josh Allen’s receivers. Jason Pinnock is an athletic and tall (6-1, 204) cornerback with plenty of potential. I like this high-upside pick for the Jets.

186. Hamsah Nasirildeen, S, Florida State – A Grade
How many defensive backs are the Jets going to draft on Day 3? I don’t blame them for making this pick though. Hamsah Nasirildeen is someone who was a constant presence in the third round of my mock draft, but that changed late when we learned that one team flunked his medical. The sixth round is a great time to take a chance on him, however.

200. Brandin Echols, CB/S, Kentucky – B Grade
This is the 716th defensive back for the Jets on Day 3. Brandin Echols is an athletic player, and he’s someone I thought would be chosen in the final couple of rounds.

207. Jonathan Marshall, DT, Arkansas – B+ Grade
Jonathan Marshall is an explosive athlete for a player at his position. The Jets needed some defensive tackle depth, and they’re getting a high-upside player in Round 6, which is par for the course of Joe Douglas’ drafting.

Follow @walterfootball for updates.

Season Summary:
All the Jets needed to do was lose in order to land Trevor Lawrence. It certainly seemed like they would accomplish an 0-16 feat, but they won two games toward the end of the year to drop to No. 2 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Offseason Moves:

Panthers acquire QB Sam Darnold from Jets

Jets sign DE Vinny Curry

Jets sign RB Tevin Coleman

Jets sign DT Sheldon Rankins

Jets sign TE Tyler Kroft

Jets sign S/CB Lamarcus Joyner

Jets sign G Dan Feeney

Jets sign WR Keelan Cole

Jets sign CB Justin Hardee

Jets sign DE Carl Lawson

Jets sign WR Corey Davis

Jets sign LB Jarrad Davis

Team Needs:

Quarterback: The Jets won themselves out of the Trevor Lawrence sweepstakes. They’ll now have to decide between Justin Fields and Zach Wilson at No. 2 overall.
Running Back: Adam Gase is gone, so Jet fans won’t have to watch Frank Gore fall forward for 2-yard gains anymore. Signed Tevin Coleman
Two Edge Rushers: It seems like the Jets have needed a dynamic pass-rushing presence on the edge for decades. Two edge rushers will be needed if Jordan Jenkins isn’t re-signed. Signed Carl Lawson and Vinny Curry
Two Cornerbacks: The Jets are desperate for cornerback help as well, especially if Brian Poole escapes via free agency. Only one talented corner will be needed if Poole is retained.
Linebacker: C.J. Mosley is not trustworthy after abandoning his team last year and barely playing the season before. Signed Jarrad Davis
Wide Receiver: Jamison Crowder and Denzel Mims are solid receivers, but the new quarterback will need a No. 1 option. Signed Corey Davis and Keelan Cole
Center: This is the lone position of weakness on the offensive line, so perhaps the Jets will spend a Round 2-4 pick on help. Signed Dan Feeney
Safety: Jamal Adams will need to be replaced at some point, though Ashtyn Davis has upside. Signed Lamarcus Joyner
Tight End: Chris Herndon has been a disappointment, so an upgrade is needed. Signed Tyler Kroft

Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

2021 NFL Free Agent Signings:

Carl Lawson, DE, Bengals. Age: 26.
Signed with Jets (3 years, $45 million)

Carl Lawson has notched 10.5 sacks over the past couple of seasons, and he was Cincinnati’s sole consistent pass rusher in 2020. Turning 26 this summer, Lawson has plenty of upside.
Sheldon Rankins, DT, Saints. Age: 27.
Signed with Jets (2 years, $17 million)

Sheldon Rankins didn’t look quite right in 2020. Perhaps this was because of an Achilles injury he suffered the prior year. I expect him to rebound next season.
Corey Davis, WR, Titans. Age: 26.
Signed with Jets (3 years, $37.5 million)

Corey Davis was seen as a huge bust heading into 2020, but he bounced back with a strong season. It might be difficult to trust him, but there’s no denying his upside.
Lamarcus Joyner, CB/S, Raiders. Age: 30. — Signed with Jets
Jarrad Davis, LB, Lions. Age: 26. — Signed with Jets (1 year)
Dan Feeney, G/C, Chargers. Age: 27. — Signed with Jets (1 year)
Keelan Cole, WR, Jaguars. Age: 28. — Signed with Jets
Vinny Curry, DE, Eagles. Age: 33. — Signed with Jets (1 year, $1.3 million)
Tevin Coleman, RB, 49ers. Age: 28. — Signed with Jets (1 year)
Tyler Kroft, TE, Bills. Age: 28. — Signed with Jets
Justin Hardee, CB, Saints. Age: 27. — Signed with Jets

New York Jets Free Agents:

Salary Cap: TBA.

Marcus Maye, S, Jets. Age: 27.
Franchised by Jets

Marcus Maye really stepped up in the wake of Jamal Adams’ departure, becoming one of the better safeties in the NFL.
Brian Poole, CB, Jets. Age: 28.
Signed with Saints (1 year)

Brian Poole was the Jets’ top cornerback last year. He’s emerged as an excellent slot man. He should get a good contract, as he still has a couple of years remaining in his 20s.
Jordan Jenkins, DE/OLB, Jets. Age: 27.
Signed with Texans (2 years, $6 million)

Jordan Jenkins logged 15 sacks in two years heading into 2020, but saw that figure drop to two this past season. He’ll be better off as a second pass rusher.
Breshad Perriman, WR, Jets. Age: 27.
Signed with Lions (1 year, $3 million)

Breshad Perriman disappointed with the Jets last year, but it’s not like he was in an environment in which he could produce. He still has some upside as a former first-round pick.
Neville Hewitt, LB, Jets. Age: 28. — Signed with Texans
Bradley McDougald, S, Jets. Age: 30.
Arthur Maulet, CB, Jets. Age: 28. — Signed with Steelers
Henry Anderson, DE/DT, Jets. Age: 30. — Signed with Patriots (2 years)
Tarell Basham, DE/OLB, Jets. Age: 27.
Pat Elflein, G, Jets. Age: 27. — Signed with Panthers (3 years, $13.5 million)
Matthias Farley, S, Jets. Age: 29.
Harvey Langi (RFA), LB, Jets. Age: 28.
Trevon Coley, DT, Jets. Age: 27.
Patrick Onwuasor, LB, Jets. Age: 29.
Frank Gore, RB, Jets. Age: 38.
Daniel Brown, TE, Jets. Age: 29.
Bryce Hager, LB, Jets. Age: 29.
Ross Travis, TE, Jets. Age: 28.
Joe Flacco, QB, Jets. Age: 36. — Signed with Eagles