Mike Maccagnan has done an excellent job adding talent to the Jets roster.
New York has added key cogs to its offensive line, linebacker corps, backfield and wide receiver room. However, there are still multiple needs that the Jets need to fill out, especially at pass-rusher with Anthony Barr leaving them at the altar.
There is no question that the Jets roster is more talented today than it was a week ago, but there are still positions of need that can’t go unfilled.
Let’s take a look at the five positions the Jets are still in need of.
Center
Center is arguably the biggest need left for the Jets on the offensive side of the football.
New York decided not to pursue Mitch Morse or Matt Paradis and get into a bidding war for a man in the middle, even though the position was a huge reason for offensive struggles in 2018.
One could argue that the Jets should have made a stronger play for either of the available centers, but it might not have allowed them to obtain both C.J. Mosley and Le’Veon Bell.
John Sullivan, formerly of the Los Angles Rams, presents himself as the only “true” center on the open market, while the rest of the players can play all three interior positions on the offensive line.
The Jets going bargain hunting at this position makes some sense as they can add some versatility in one of the four of Stefen Wisniewski, Nick Easton, Brett Jones or Josh Sitton while pairing them with a Day 2 rookie.
Pass Rusher
It’s no secret that the Jets need somebody who can get after the quarterback.
After Anthony Barr returned to Minnesota, the Jets quickly re-signed Henry Anderson and Steve McLendon, giving them their same front three as last season.
The pass-rushing market is rather thin as the top-heavy options have all signed big contracts elsewhere. The Jets have to make a move on the next wave with options such as Justin Houston, Ezekiel Ansah, Derrick Morgan and Nick Perry.
The Jets cannot afford to wait until the draft and hope that one of Nick Bosa or Josh Allen falls to No. 3, There is no such thing as too many pass-rushers and the Jets would be in a prime spot to add multiple players to their incomplete front seven.
No. 2 Cornerback
Darryl Roberts was effective filling in for an injured Trumaine Johnson last season, but he may not be ready to make that jump to No. 2 cornerback just yet.
New York has already ruled out a reunion with Morris Claiborne, while free agents Darqueze Dennard, Nevin Lawson and Rashaan Melvin remain on the open market.
Out of the slim pickings, Dennard remains the best option, but the former first-round pick was seeking nearly $10 million per year from the Bengals.
If the Jets are wisely unwilling to meet his price point, they can role with Roberts as their No. 2 cornerback, but they’ll need better depth than Rashard Robinson.
Wide Receiver
The Jets added two wide receivers to their passing attack to open up free agency.
Jamison Crowder will start in the slot, while Josh Bellamy is going to be a special teams ace who will mainly fill in as depth. The Jets still need help throughout their wide receiver room. While drafting a receiver is likely, the Jets still need veteran help.
Aldrick Robinson, Justin Hardy, Cody Latimer or Justin Hunter are all enticing veteran options, as the Jets won’t go big name hunting just yet at the position.
Tight End
While the Jets have their tight end of the future in Chris Herndon, they are still lacking a competent backup behind him.
New York already declined its option on Eric Tomlinson, while Neal Sterling, who is a free agent, will probably not be back. That leaves just Jordan Leggett, who New York would probably hope to be its No. 3 tight end.
That leaves a backup spot open and two veterans on the market that make sense are Darren Fells and Austin Seferian-Jenkins. Both would be good options as backups who can also both block effectively and tutor Herndon.
