Breaking down the top roster needs for the Jets in 2018

Although the New York Jets didn’t go 0-16 as some predicted they would in 2017, it was another losing year for the Green and White. Finishing 5-11 and once again missing the NFL Playoffs, the Jets certainly have many improvements to make moving forward.

As is typically the case heading into the offseason, the New York Jets are in desperate need of a franchise quarterback.

Until he suffered a hand injury, veteran Josh McCown played somewhat well for the Jets in 2017, but at age 38, it’s clear that he doesn’t represent the future for the team.

Upon McCown’s injury, Bryce Petty took over as the team’s starting signal-caller, and although he wasn’t put into the best situation, he didn’t offer up much promise to the Jets’ front office. At age 26, he certainly has room to grow, but his issues with consistency and accuracy are worrisome.

22-year-old Christian Hackenberg is also still on the roster, but due to the lack of snaps he’s received, it’s clear that the Jets don’t see him as a pivotal piece moving forward.

Luckily for the Green and White, there any many options in regards to landing a quarterback this offseason.

With the No. 6 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Jets could hope Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield is still on the board, or they could attempt to trade up in order to land USC’s Sam Darnold or UCLA’s Josh Rosen.

There are also options in free agency. If the Washington Redskins don’t franchise tag Kirk Cousins, he’ll become a free agent, and although it would be an expensive move, the Jets would be wise to make a run at him. 25-year-old Teddy Bridgewater could also hit free agency, and some have discussed him as a potential target for the Jets.

Moving on from the quarterback position, the Jets are also in dire need of help on the offensive line. The team’s offensive line ranked 26th overall in 2017 while allowing 47 sacks and 97 QB hits.

Without a strong offensive line, a quarterback is under much more pressure and it’s quite difficult to establish a strong running game. Wheather or not they decided to use their first-round pick on an offensive lineman will remain to be seen, but rebuilding the line should be a main focus for the Jets in the coming months.

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Finally, the Jets have some holes to fill on the defensive line as well. Prior to the 2017 season, the team traded away Sheldon Richardson and it’s likely that Muhammad Wilkerson has played his last game in a Jets uniform as well.

With that being said, the team will need to surround 23-year-old Leonard Williams with more talent. Specifically, an edge rusher is needed and if the team decides to use its first-round pick on a defensive player, NC State’s Bradley Chubb could be a viable option.

Despite the team’s poor record in 2017, the Jets showed some signs of life. The team has a plethora of young and exciting players who’ve already made impacts.

However, there are still holes to fill. If the Jets can begin to tackle these needs, the team will have a bright future moving forward.

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