NY Jets: Top 3 positions of need heading into 2016

Oct 4, 2015; London, United Kingdom; New York Jets left guard Brian Winters (67) against the Miami Dolphins in Game 12 of the NFL International Series at Wembley Stadium.The Jets defeated the Dolphins 27-14. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The NY Jets have some pressing needs at key areas across the team that need to be addressed heading into the off-season.

Since the season is over for the Jets as it has ended in early January yet again, the off-season fun has already gotten underway. Gang Green had a golden opportunity to clinch the NFL Playoffs with a win over Rex Ryan and the Buffalo Bills, but they fell short. Although, a 10-6 opening year in the new regime is definitely something to build off of.

General manager Mike Maccagnan has yet to fully make his mark and build the Jets how he wants, so these next few months will really show what direction he wants to go with the franchise. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Chris Ivory, Muhammad Wilkerson, Damon Harrison and Demario Davis are New York’s biggest free agents this spring.

Factor in the hefty contracts of D’Brickashaw Ferguson as well as Antonio Cromartie and you have quite a few difficult decisions to make if you’re Maccagnan. Do you hold onto Ferguson or Cromartie if they refuse to restructure? Can Ivory be signed at the right price? Is Davis replaceable? These are all questions that the front office will face but let’s first take a look at New York’s top three positions of need based off of the 2015 campaign.

Next: 3. Safety

Nov 1, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) tries to elude New York Jets strong safety Dion Bailey (34) after making a catch in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Jets 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

3. Safety

The Jets had depth issues at safety from start to finish. Off-season injuries to Antonio Allen and Jaiquawn Jarrett ended up being huge blows in the long run to the secondary. As a result, Gang Green finally made the call to bring up Rontez Miles from the practice squad and keep him on the 53-man roster. Along with that, they signed ex-Seahawk Dion Bailey and started him during Calvin Pryor‘s three game absence in November. Cornerback Marcus Williams was even utilized at safety in the middle of the year as well.

This position can be addressed through either free agency or in the draft, but signing a veteran would be the Jets’ best option. There’s plenty of youth in the unit, so an older player would certainly help Pryor and Marcus Gilchrist grow. Will Allen and Tyvon Branch are potential options if New York decides to look at a strong safety. A reunion with James Ihedigbo also wouldn’t be a bad idea due to how much he’s progressed since leaving the team in 2010. If Allen or Jarrett are brought back, the Jets can take this approach and focus on a strong safety.

Next: 2. Right Tackle

Sep 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets offensive tackle Breno Giacomini (68) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

2. Right Tackle

New York’s right side of the offensive line didn’t become much of a concern until later in the season. When everyone began to realize how many sacks Fitzpatrick had eluded through the weeks, all eyes turned to Breno Giacomini and Brian Winters. On the year, the Jets allowed 22 sacks, but Fitzpatrick escaped about another 22 of them. The season finale against the Bills showed how lucky Gang Green had been all year with their line. Unfortunately, their luck ran out at the worst possible time and Fitzpatrick played poorly as a result.

According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, the Jets can save $5.1 million by cutting Giacomini. Now Giacomini isn’t necessarily a liability, but the money is definitely needed with big names in Wilkerson and Harrison hitting the market. With that being said, New York’s best option would be to turn to the draft for a new right tackle. Ferguson and Nick Mangold are getting old, so it’s time the line starts looking younger.

Next: 1. Outside Linebacker

Dec 6, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Shane Vereen (34) runs by New York Jets linebacker Calvin Pace (97) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Giants 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

1. Outside Linebacker

The Jets came into 2015 with a need for an edge-rusher and they’ll finish 2015 with that same need. Midway through the year, Maccagnan made the decision to move on from Quinton Coples and flat out cut the 2012 first-round selection. The move was made to “change the culture” according to head coach Todd Bowles, however, it did leave the position with minimal depth. Of course IK Enemkpali was booted from the team in August for punching Geno Smith, so the only outside linebackers in the unit are Calvin Pace, Lorenzo Mauldin and Trevor Reilly.

This need can be addressed in the draft or in March when the free agency period comes around, but drafting another youngster like Mauldin might be the best move. Maccagnan should stick with the best player available method because it works, but if the Jets were to draft by need, a second or third-rounder on an edge-rusher would be relatively appropriate. Along with drafting a guy, a free agent for the right price would be pretty ideal. New York only had three true pass-rushers last season, so depth and more of a rotational method in 2o16 could generate more sacks.

Next: Honorable Mentions

Jan 3, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws a pass during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Jets 22 to 17. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mentions

Quarterback

While the Jets may bring quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick back on a one or two-year deal, the long-term answer has still yet to be found. It certainly isn’t Geno Smith, who could be off the roster in the near future, and Bryce Petty remains a question mark after just one NFL season as a third-stringer. Is it worth drafting yet another quarterback after selecting Smith (2013), Tajh Boyd (2014) and Petty (2015)?

More jets: Jets must develop a quarterback for the future

Right Guard

Winters may have performed better this season than he did in 2014, but that isn’t saying much. The 2013 third-rounder can be a huge liability in the pass blocking department which is something the Jets need to improve on. Gang Green can make a similar offer on a free agent to the one they made with James Carpenter last off-season, but money will be tight.