Analysis of Jets' biggest roster need doesn't make any sense after NFL Draft

The New York Jets may not be expected to be world-beaters in the 2026 season, but after adding Kenyon Sadiq and Omar Cooper Jr. to the mix in the 2026 NFL Draft alongside holdovers like Garrett Wilson, Adonai Mitchell, and Mason Taylor, new quarterback Geno Smith will have plenty of viable targets to throw to.

However, that hasn't stopped ESPN's Aaron Schatz from calling wide receiver the biggest need on the roster. Schatz is very nervous about Mitchell's lack of experience and his designation as one of the top three wideouts, as well as the depth at the position consisting of Arian Smith and Isaiah Williams.

For the first time in what feels like forever, the Jets have quite the impressive legion of pass-catchers to lean on, yet the national media is still of the mindset that Mitchell not being Jerry Rice is apparently concerning enough to make this area a question mark.

ESPN says wide receiver is Jets' biggest roster need

There is a very good chance that Mitchell could end up sixth on the team in targets, minimizing how badly a regression could hurt this team. In addition to Wilson, Cooper, and Sadiq on the roster, Taylor is still hanging around, and Breece Hall is a quality pass-catching back.

Even though Mitchell was playing with some abysmal quarterbacks last season after his trade, he flashed enough of the deep speed and downfield playmaking needed to be a viable pass-catcher in this offense. If Cooper can only play in the slot, Mitchell may have an outside receiver spot locked up.

That said, the Jets could stand to add one more veteran wide receiver on a cheap one-year deal, as any injury could mean that either Williams or Smith may be forced to see the field heavily despite the additions of Sadiq and Cooper to the offense.

The two actual biggest needs on the roster are quarterback and linebacker. Even if Geno Smith bounces back, Cade Klubnik likely isn't ready to be QB2 at this juncture, and there is no long-term starter installed. The lack of quality in this room is likely what is going to sink this team.

The linebacker room consists of 37-year-old Demario Davis, a player coming off a pitiful season in Jamien Sherwood, and a bunch of backup-level talents in Kiko Mauigoa and Mykal Walker. If the Jets are eyeing a big free agent acquisition later in the offseason, this could be the position to target.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow