Following an offseason filled with excitement, the New York Jets have some quality strengths throughout their roster. While there are still some concerns, most notably, the run defense, this team has some strong points to feel great about this season. Even at these top groups are not only good starters but capable depth to have some confidence in. The best four aspects of the Jets team on paper entering 2022 will be discussed below.
Skill position talent
Joe Douglas did a tremendous job this offseason surrounding Zach Wilson with playmakers.
Starting in the backfield, the Jets have a fantastic one-two punch at running back with young players Breece Hall and Michael Carter. These two have what it takes to grow and be the best duo at the position in football. Not only can they help Wilson and Mike LaFleur running the football, but as pass-catchers as well. The Jets also have a solid third running back to this group in eight-year veteran Tevin Coleman. Coleman showed he still has good speed and receiving ability last year. He provides a veteran presence and tons of experience in the offensive scheme.
Then, at wide receiver, the Jets have some exciting talent brewing. Young, electrifying speedsters Elijah Moore and Garrett Wilson can eventually grow to be a top-flight duo themselves at wide receiver. Moore and Wilson gained valuable experience together last year. Wilson is going to add a contested-catch presence to this offense. Corey Davis is a solid sixth-year veteran who adds size to this group. He will have a much better year in 2022. Braxton Berrios was re-signed this offseason. He adds versatility as both a slot receiver and gadget player with his speed and yards-after-the-catch ability. The group rounds out with two 4.3 receivers in Denzel Mims and Jeff Smith. Hopefully, Mims has a bounce-back year and starts to live up to his great potential.
The tight end position was entirely rebuilt by Douglas this offseason. Tyler Conklin, C.J. Uzomah, and Jeremy Ruckert provide this position group with a substantial boost from last year. All three of these players can help in-line as run and pass blockers. As receivers, they all add a different component with gives LaFleur complementary skill sets to work with.
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Offensive line
When Douglas took over as the Jets’ general manager in June of 2019, this group was a significant liability. Now, he has built it up over time to be a strong group for this team. From left to right, tackle the group projects to be George Fant, Laken Tomlinson, Connor McGovern, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and Mekhi Becton. The main key is Becton. If he gets back to his rookie-year form, this group has immense upside this year.
From there, the depth consists of three notable players in Nate Herbig, Dan Feeney, and Max Mitchell. Herbig and Feeney make for very good interior depth. Mitchell has talent, was successful in college, and has room to grow as a rookie tackle.
Pass rush on the defensive line
Douglas and Robert Saleh have fully committed to being the best they possibly can in the trenches. This defensive line may have 11 players on the roster come Week 1. The four starters, Carl Lawson, Quinnen Williams, John Franklin-Myers, and Jermaine Johnson, give the Jets a stellar front. They can each have moments of dominance. The backups consist of primarily better pass rushers in Jacob Martin, Bryce Huff, and Vinny Curry on the edge, with Sheldon Rankins and Solomon Thomas along the interior. While the run defense is still going to have to prove itself, the Jets are not short on pass rushers across the front.
Revamped cornerback group
With the premium additions of Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed, the Jets outside cornerback duo can be very good. Gardner and Reed can entirely change the landscape of the Jets’ defensive backfield. The starting slot cornerback, Michael Carter II, had a good rookie year and should improve with the two major acquisitions on the outside. Even the depth of this group is strong. The two outside backups, Bryce Hall and Brandin Echols, overachieved last season as young and inexperienced players. The backup in the slot, Javelin Guidry, has proven himself well throughout his first two years as an undrafted free agent.