The Jets’ 2020 roster will look a lot different than it did in Sam Darnold’s first two years in the NFL, and that’s a good thing.
Darnold saw the Jets’ beef up the offensive line, attempt to solve questions at wide receiver and even improve areas of the defense as well this offseason. There will be great expectations for Darnold now as he enters his third season in the league and second with Adam Gase as head coach.
Darnold spoke to reporters Tuesday on a variety of the biggest topics facing the Jets this offseason. From the draft to free agency to coronavirus and more, here are the most interesting things Darnold said.
The New Kids
Douglas did a great job giving Darnold some help this offseason in free agency and he continued the pattern with his first two draft picks. He took tackle Mekhi Becton in the first round and wide receiver Denzel Mims in the second round to fortify two positions of need on the Jets offense.
Darnold pointed out the obvious with Becton: He’s a “big guy” with his 6-foot-7, 364-pound frame. “He’s a freak athlete and a large human,” Darnold added.
Mims, who should line up outside with fellow wideout Breshad Perriman, flashed at Baylor with ridiculous numbers. Darnold likely saw the highlights and noticed Mims’ ability.
“He’s a great playmaker,” Darnold said. “He’s got a lot of potential.”
RELATED: Grading all 9 Jets picks in the 2020 NFL Draft
2020 Vision and Lots of Additions
Darnold is once again optimistic about the Jets’ chances in 2020. He saw Douglas add a lot of talent at various positions of need across the roster and sees the Jets being competitive this season. But was it enough?
“We definitely have the guys to be able to win football games,” he said. “It’s about putting everything together.”
One area that saw a huge upgrade was the offensive line, which will likely see new starters at center and both tackle spots with Connor McGovern, George Fant and Becton joining the team.
“They’re good players,” Darnold said about his new protection. “They’re guys of high character. The more guys we can bring in like that, the better.”
The Jets also recently added veteran running back Frank Gore to the backfield. Although his best playing days are behind him, Gore offers a lot of experience and mentorship for the Jets’ younger players.
“He’s a guy with great work ethic and a really good leader, a really good locker room guy,” Darnold said about Gore. “And obviously it looks like he can still play.”
Bye-bye, Robby
One of the biggest losses of the offseason was the departure of Robby Anderson, who signed with the Panthers in free agency. Darnold lost his top target over his first two seasons and the Jets’ best deep-threat on offense.
“You know me and Robby had a really good connection over the years,” Darnold said. “He had gotten a lot better at running routes, as time went on. Some things just didn’t line up. It is what it is.”
Darnold isn’t worried about not having Anderson around, though. The team added Perriman and Mims at wide receiver to go along with Le’Veon Bell and Gore in the backfield and should see a healthy Chris Herndon at tight end.
“With the weapons that we have now, we’re looking… for good production from our wide receivers, running backs, etc.”
The State of the NFL
The dark cloud hovering over the NFL continues to be the possibility of a delayed season or a year with empty stadiums if the coronavirus pandemic continues to keep fans in their homes. Darnold offered a succinct response to that potential reality:
“What makes it a great experience is the fans in every stadium,” he said.
There’s no word on what the NFL’s plan is, though the league still aims to release it’s 2020 regular season schedule on Thursday.
Later, Brady
There’s a weird feeling around the division this season. For the first time since 2000, Tom Brady won’t compete for an AFC East title. This leaves a unique opportunity for the Jets, considering they’ll be fighting for the crown with a Patriots team without an experienced starter, a Dolphins team in the midst of a rebuild and a Bills team who just made the postseason.
Darnold isn’t taking things less seriously without Brady around, though.
“For us, every single game in the NFL is a tough one,” he said. “We’re not gonna take anyone more lightly even though one of the greatest players, if not the greatest players of all-time, left.”
