Jets general manager Joe Douglas did a nice job addressing needs throughout the 2020 NFL Draft, but there is still work to be done to patch up the remaining holes on New York’s roster.
Not one single draft is going to completely fix a roster. As well as Douglas did in his first draft running the show, it’s going to take more than rookies at positions of need to turn the Jets from a 7-9 team in 2019 to a contender in 2020.
Which positions still need some work? Let’s take a look.
Wide Receiver
With the addition of Denzel Mims, the Jets now have a decent enough quartet of receivers for Sam Darnold to work with. Decent enough isn’t going to help the Jets achieve a winning record in 2020, though.
What if Mims does not develop as quickly as expected as a rookie? What if Quincy Enunwa succumbs to injuries again? These question marks require New York to go out and add more depth at the position. Josh Doctson and Vyncint Smith have the potential to become contributors, but there is no point in banking on players reaching their potential when veteran free agents still remain on the market.
EDGE
Edge rusher is another position where the Jets are banking on players to reach their potential. Jordan Jenkins is an established starter at the position, but other than that, New York’s outside linebacker depth chart is still littered with players coming into their own.
Tarrell Basham showed flashes throughout 2019, but it remains to be seen if he is anything more than a situational pass rusher. Third-round pick Jabari Zuniga has an extremely high ceiling but needs to figure out how to stay healthy before anything else.
Having a consistent pass rush could be what the Jets need to take their defense to the next level. With Jadeveon Clowney and Markus Golden still available for the taking in free agency, it’s not too late for Joe Douglas to make a move and bolster New York’s depth at the position.
Cornerback
In terms of depth, cornerback is not as much of a need as the other positions on this list are. The Jets did well to land Bryce Hall in the fifth round of the draft and trading for Quincy Wilson gives defensive coordinator Gregg Williams another corner to work into his rotation. Lamar Jackson was also added as an undrafted free agent.
New York is not short on options at the position but could benefit from signing additional talent. Logan Ryan is still a free agent, as is Darqueze Dennard. The Jets aren’t as depleted at corner as they were a year ago, but it wouldn’t hurt to add another player or two to the equation.
Kicker
The Jets landed their potential punter of the future in Texas A&M’s Braden Mann. Now, it’s time for Joe Douglas to find a new kicker.
Brett Maher’s performance with the Cowboys in 2019 does not exactly inspire confidence that he is the man for the job in New York. Missed field goals cost the Jets games last season. They cannot afford to suffer the same fate next season.
