Joe Douglas has done a good job patching up a Jets roster in desperate need of talent so far in free agency, but there is still plenty of work for New York’s first-year general manager to do.
With the first wave of free agency in the books, the Jets have a revamped offensive line, a new deep threat to replace Robby Anderson in Breshad Perriman, a new starting outside cornerback in Pierre Desir and two in-house free agents in edge rusher Jordan Jenkins and cornerback Brian Poole. Most of Douglas’ moves to date have been solid, but that’s not to say New York’s roster is set heading into 2020.
Which positions do the Jets still have to address? Let’s take a look at some of Gang Green’s weaknesses with the first week and a half of free agency complete.
Running Back
The Jets are set with Le’Veon Bell as their starting running back, but there’s not much else behind him right now.
Ty Montgomery and Bilal Powell are both free agents, leaving New York with little depth at the position. Backup running back was likely low on Joe Douglas’ list of priorities with so many more pressing needs facing him in the opening days of free agency, but now is the time to find a tailback or two that can spell Bell when needed.
Wide Receiver
Breshad Perriman was a nice addition to replace Robby Anderson and Jamison Crowder returns as a weapon in the slot, but the Jets need more than two reliable targets for Sam Darnold to work with.
There are serious concerns over Quincy Enunwa’s durability as he works his way back from a second serious neck injury. Past Enunwa, New York’s crop of receivers features Josh Doctson, Braxton Berrios, Vyncint Smith, Josh Bellamy, Jehu Chesson and Keon Hatcher. That’s not exactly an inspiring group.
There aren’t too many standout receivers left in free agency, so the Jets will likely upgrade the position through the draft. Regardless of how it gets done, a move or two needs to be made before training camp begins.
Tackle
George Fant was a solid pickup, but he can’t start in two positions at once.
With Fant likely to slot in at left tackle, finding a starting right tackle is imperative for the Jets right now. Chuma Edoga is too raw to warrant serious consideration for the job and no other tackle currently on the roster is worthy of a starting spot.
New York can only hope that one of this year’s elite tackle falls to them at No. 11. If not, there will be a major hole on the right side of the offensive line.
EDGE
Jordan Jenkins’ return is a positive for the Jets. He is coming off a career-high eight-sack season and thrives playing for defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. With that being said, it’s going to take more than Jenkins for the Jets to have a dangerous pass rush in 2020.
Tarrell Basham came on strong at the end of last season, but he is still unproven coming off the edge. Jadaveon Clowney remains available in free agency and the Jets are rumored to be in the running for his services, but it remains to be seen if the former No. 1 overall pick will wind up in the Big Apple.
New York’s pass rush has suffered for years. That suffering stands to continue if Joe Douglas doesn’t find another pass rusher that can complement Jenkins.
Cornerback
Joe Douglas did one heck of a job re-signing Brian Poole and bringing in Pierre Desir for a combined $10.5 million, but his work revamping the position is far from complete.
The Jets still need someone to start opposite Desir. Bless Austin has a decent rookie year, but it’s hard to trust him as a starter entering 2020 with the way he performed at the end of the season. Arthur Maulet is also back, but he has never been anything more than a part-time player.
Expect either one more free agent signing or a couple of cornerback draft picks by the Jets before the offseason comes to an end. This unit is still a work in progress.
