The 2022 offseason for the New York Jets included many big free agents and rookie additions. A multitude of positions throughout the roster have drastically improved.
New acquisitions Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, Laken Tomlinson, and Jordan Whitehead will make the Jets better right away. Still, not every need was addressed this offseason. There are some concerns with the run defense and competition at free safety. Nonetheless, Joe Douglas did a tremendous job upgrading most key needs. Let’s take a look at the three groups set to be much better for the Jets this year.
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Ranking the New York Jets’ most improved positions:
3. Edge Defender
Running back, wide receiver and guard were all in consideration here. But overall, there has been a lack of a dominant edge pass rush for the Jets for too long. This offseason, Jermaine Johnson and Micheal Clemons were both drafted. In free agency, Jacob Martin was added on a three-year deal. Also, Carl Lawson and Vinny Curry can be considered additions as neither played a snap after being signed last year. Having Lawson and Johnson as two starters at edge gives the Jets a substantial boost from last year. In Clemons, Martin, and Curry, three depth, pass-rushing specialists are all added to the defensive front.
2. Tight End
Tight end was arguably the Jets’ biggest concern entering the offseason. Douglas went on to address this position group masterfully. Signing C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Conklin to three-year contracts and then drafting Jeremy Ruckert in the third round surpassed every expectation one could have had. These three players will be pivotal in the year-two progress Zach Wilson needs to make.
1. Cornerback
The Jets cornerback group was not one of the more glaring weaknesses on the team last season. Collectively, for first and second-year players in 2021, Bryce Hall, Brandin Echols, Michael Carter II, and Javelin Guidry did a commendable job. Ultimately though, adding Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner and D.J. Reed puts this group over the top. Robert Saleh and Jeff Ulbrich will have the luxury to dial up more pressure with blitz packages upfront. Both Gardner and Reed have the potential to be huge difference-makers for the Jets’ defense in 2022.
Getting more talented players at the two biggest impact positions on defense is crucial. Bolstering the group of tight ends will only help Wilson and Mike LaFleur in their development. As the Jets look to take the next step this year and have a chance at the playoffs come December, look for these three positions to be drastically improved.