With the first wave of free agency in the books, it’s time to take a look at who the Jets will trot out on the field come Week 1 of the 2020 NFL season.
Joe Douglas was a busy man throughout the first week of free agency, taking care of in-house free agents such as Brian Poole and Jordan Jenkins, revamping the offensive line, upgrading at cornerback and adding a speedy wide receiver to replace Robby Anderson.
There is still plenty of work to be done with lots of talented players still available on the open market and the 2020 NFL draft looming. That doesn’t mean it’s too early to take a crack at predicting New York’s starting lineup, though. Let’s take a look at who could be starting for Gang Green on opening day.
Quarterback
Starter: Sam Darnold
This one is a no-brainer. Darnold is entering his third season with the Jets and is New York’s franchise quarterback.
Year three is a big one for Darnold after a sophomore season that was marred by a bout with mononucleosis and inconsistent play. If Darnold takes the next step in his progression, the Jets will be heading in the right direction in 2020.
Running Back
Starter: Le’Veon Bell
Bell’s first year with the Jets was a tough one, as he finished with less than 1,000 rushing yards for the first time since an injury-shortened 2015 season.
For a while, it was unclear whether Bell would be back for a second season in New York. Joe Douglas elected to keep him around for at least another year, making him Gang Green’s bell-cow back entering 2020.
Wide Receiver
Starters: Jamison Crowder, Breshad Perriman, Quincy Enunwa
With Robby Anderson off to Carolina, Perriman joins the Jets as the team’s new deep threat. Crowder remains entrenched in the slot, while Enunwa returns from a second neck injury with major question marks surrounding him.
Tight End
Starter: Chris Herndon
Following a rookie season in which he established himself as one of the up and coming tight ends in football, Herndon’s 2019 campaign never took flight. He began the season suspended four games for DWI and ended it on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury.
Despite his rocky sophomore season and the emergence of Ryan Griffin, Herndon has a grip on New York’s starting tight end job — for now. Griffin could easily overtake Herndon with a strong training camp.
Offensive Line
Starters: George Fant/Draft Pick, Alex Lewis, Connor McGovern, Greg Van Roten, Chuma Edoga/Draft Pick
Joe Douglas did an excellent job improving New York’s offensive line by adding George Fant, Connor McGovern and Greg Van Roten, but there are still plenty of question marks surrounding the unit heading into next season.
Van Roten figures to be next season’s starting right guard with Brian Winters on the verge of becoming a salary cap casualty. That leaves the Jets to figure out their tackle situation. Kelvin Beachum is an unrestricted free agent and is unlikely to be back with the team in 2020. Fant will start at either left or right tackle, but what about the other vacancy?
If the Jets miss out on a top-end tackle in the draft, they will have to roll with Edoga at right tackle. That is a major risk to be taking considering how raw the USC product was throughout his rookie season.
Defensive Line
Starters: Quinnen Williams, Steve McLendon, Henry Anderson
New York’s starters on the defensive line are pretty much set in stone barring a trade or free agent signing with Williams and Anderson as the ends and McLendon as the nose tackle. The only question is whether Williams will begin the season with a suspension following a gun charge earlier this month.
Outside Linebacker
Starters: Jordan Jenkins, Tarrell Basham
Jenkins is back with the Jets after flirting with free agency, giving New York’s outside linebacker unit a much-needed boost. Basham figures to line up opposite Jenkins following a strong end to 2019.
Inside Linebacker
Starters: C.J. Mosley, Avery Williamson
The Jets get their dynamic duo back at middle linebacker in 2020, as Mosley is healthy following an injury-plagued first season with the Jets and Williamson returns from a torn ACL.
There is a chance that Williamson becomes a cap casualty and free agent acquisition Patrick Onwuasor takes his spot next to Mosley, but we’re predicting Williamson sticks around for at least another season.
Cornerback
Starters: Brian Poole, Pierre Desir, Bless Austin
With Poole lining up in the slot, Desir is effectively New York’s No. 1 corner with Austin playing opposite him. Given their current personnel at the position, it’s safe to assume the Jets are far from done at the position.
Whether it be via trade, free agency or the draft, expect some new additions to the group before the season kicks off.
Safety
Starters: Jamal Adams, Marcus Maye
New York is set at its strongest position with Adams and Maye leading the charge. This will remain Gang Green’s starting lineup at safety throughout the season barring any injuries.
Specialists
Kicker: Brett Maher
Punter: Ian Berryman
Long Snapper: Thomas Hennessy
Maher wins New York’s kicking battle and Berryman winds up as the punter by default.
It’s safe to assume the Jets will bring in competition at both positions throughout the offseason. Until then, we have to assume those two get the starting nods. Hennessy is locked in as Gang Green’s long snapper.
