The Jets are solid at many positions, but there are still some areas of weakness on New York’s roster heading into training camp.
Joe Douglas has done his best to address some of the team’s needs since taking over as general manager, but plenty of more work has to be done if the Jets want to contend in 2019.
So, which positions are the Jets weakest at right now? Here’s a look at four that could use some improving before the regular season kicks off.
Tight End
Chris Herndon impressed throughout his rookie season and is primed to contribute even more in 2019. However, even with Herndon in the fold, the Jets have a depth issue at tight end.
After parting ways with Jordan Leggett and Neal Sterling earlier this offseason, New York is left with Sterling, Eric Tomlinson, rookie Trevon Wesco and Daniel Brown at the position. Tomlinson and Wesco are known more as run-blocking tight ends, while Brown has caught only 35 passes in five NFL seasons.
Unless Brown impresses with his pass-catching ability in training camp, the Jets will have to add another weapon for Sam Darnold. With Chris Herndon possibly facing a suspension to begin the season, bringing in another capable tight end is all the more imperative.
Center
Throughout his NFL career, Jonotthan Harrison has been a solid, versatile offensive lineman. In 2019, he will have the chance to prove he is a starting-caliber center with the Jets.
New York is taking a risk by rolling with Harrison as its starting center. The Florida native came on strong in the second half last season, but he has never started all 16 games of an NFL season. If he underperforms, the Jets are in trouble.
There’s not much depth behind Harrison either. Jon Toth is the only other center on New York’s roster and he has never appeared in a regular season game. It’s imperative the Jets add another center either before training camp or the regular season, as two centers on the roster is simply not going to cut it.
Cornerback
From Trumaine Johnson’s underwhelming first season with the Jets to a lack of another established starter opposite of him, New York is in peril at cornerback.
Darryl Roberts has contributed throughout his time with the Jets, but it remains to be seen if he can get the job done as a starting corner. Brian Poole figures to be solid in the slot, but there is still some uncertainty there as well. Past the starters, New York’s depth at the position is inexperienced and unproven.
If the Jets do not address their cornerback issue before the regular season starts, they will be picked apart by opposing quarterbacks.
Kicker
Chandler Catanzaro is coming off a down year, which is certainly more than enough for the Jets to worry about where they’re at with their kicking game right now.
New York caught lightning in a bottle with Catanzaro a couple of years ago after the Arizona Cardinals let him go. The hope is that Catanzaro finds himself again with the Jets, but if he doesn’t, the Jets will have to scour the free agent market and waiver wire for a replacement.
When Catanzaro originally joined the Jets in 2017, Ross Martin was in training camp to compete with him for the job. At the very least, Joe Douglas should add another training camp body to push Catanzaro and hopefully get him back on track.
