After years of disappointment, the Jets finally have the pieces in place to return to contender status.
There are still some holes to fill, but New York has plenty of talent on both sides of the ball. Factor in Gang Green’s mix of youth and experience and you have a team that could make it back to the postseason sooner rather than later.
So, which positions are the Jets strongest at right now? Here’s a look at which positions New York is most talented at.
Quarterback
Sam Darnold still has plenty to prove, but there’s no denying his talent. The USC product impressed throughout his rookie season and got better with each game. That alone is a reason for Jets fans to be excited about the team’s future under center.
Even past Darnold New York is in good hands at quarterback. Trevor Siemian is a seasoned backup. He might not be Josh McCown in terms of experience, but Siemian has been around the block enough to serve as Darnold’s mentor in 2019. Davis Webb and Luke Falk also bring impressive arm talent to the table. The two put together standout college careers and have the skill set to contribute if need be.
Everything centers around Darnold, but the quarterback room the Jets have put together is an impressive one.
Running Back
In terms of star power and depth, running back might be New York’s most loaded position on either side of the ball.
Leading the way is two-time All-Pro selection Le’Veon Bell, who has a chance to be the Jets’ best running back since Curtis Martin. Behind Bell is Ty Montgomery, who was once a starter in Green Bay and totaled over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in 2016. Further down the depth chart are Bilal Powell, Elijah McGuire and Trenton Cannon. Jets fans are no stranger to what Powell brings to the table and while McGuire and Cannon still have a ways to go, they showed flashes last season and have the potential to contribute in 2019.
Even in the event of an injury to Bell, New York is set at running back.
Inside Linebacker
Thanks to the addition of C.J. Mosley, New York’s linebacker corps goes from a question mark to a strength.
Avery Williamson and Jordan Jenkins are both solid backers, but Mosley brings Gang Green’s defense to the next level. The four-time All-Pro is a major upgrade over Darron Lee in the middle of the defense and gives the Jets another run stopper and leader to go alongside Williamson, who led New York in tackles a year ago. Neville Hewitt also lurks in the background as a solid backup, while 2019 fifth-round pick Blake Cashman is primed to make an impact in a reserve role as a rookie.
With Mosley and Williamson leading the way, the Jets will be tough to run on in 2019.
Safety
When it comes to New York’s group of safeties, what’s not to like?
Jamal Adams has emerged as a superstar in the secondary. When healthy, Marcus Maye is a reliable center fielder who compliments his former college rival perfectly. Adams and Maye get most of the attention, but Doug Middleton proved his worth last season as a frequent contributor in Maye’s place. Rontez Miles missed most of last season due to injury, but remains an impact player on special teams and can help out at safety in a pinch.
Even the bubble safeties on Gang Green’s roster impress. Santos Ramirez made his name at Arkansas as a hard-hitting ballhawk, while Brandon Bryant was a former SEC star in his own right.
