New York Jets Team Needs

By: Greg Davis

Linebacker
With Jonathan Vilma having been dealt to New Orleans, the Jets will look first to shore up the linebacker corps. Eric Barton isn’t quite the best fit for the 3-4 defense, and the team will look to add additional talent to a group that should already benefit from the signing of Calvin Pace.

Cornerback
At corner, Darrelle Revis is considered the future and the now, but the Jets will look to add another youthful talent in the hopes of developing a solid talent for seasons to come. There is a fair amount of cornerback talent available to be had in the upcoming draft, so New York could find itself in position to get a significant player without having to reach and it will provide insurance for Justin Miller, the other starting corner who is returning from an injury.

Defensive Line
The Jets will also need a defensive end who can be effective in the 3-4. Dewayne Robertson is probably on the outs, and while the current starting pair is decent, there is a lack of depth behind them and there is the clear potential to upgrade given the current talent. The team simply needs better play from the position as a whole, and adding a young player who will get after the ball to the mix should be effective.

Wide Receiver
Wide receiving options will be looked at as well, given that the number one option, Laveranues Coles, is aging and battled injury last season. After Coles, the team relies on Jerricho Cotchery for big plays, but then there is a considerable drop in dependability from the position. Brad Smith, a converted college quarterback and special teams player, is the current third option. The Big Apple will be looking for a big project receiver to provide another option.

Offensive Line
The offensive line is a solid starting unit with D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Nick Mangold, and Alan Faneca anchoring the line. Damien Woody has also been brought in at right tackle, and Brandon Moore should round out the line. After this group, however, there is little in the way of depth. The team will need insurance and youth to develop behind the veterans of the starting group. A mid-round or late-round pick will likely focus on this position.