5 biggest non-QB needs on the NY Jets roster this offseason

4. The NY Jets need to address linebacker

In my opinion, this is the biggest "Fool's Gold" position on the entire roster. C.J. Mosley returned to the Pro Bowl for the first time in years and both Quincy Williams and Kwon Alexander had several bone-crushing hits that made their way to several highlight reels throughout the season.

PFF was less impressed, awarding Mosley, Williams, and Alexander the 31st, 62nd, and 44th best overall grades out of 81 qualified linebackers. Too many times we saw costly mistakes from this unit as they gave up huge plays and even forfeited the win.

Mosley has a tremendous head on his shoulders and knows how to read offenses, which is why he's been captain of the unit for years now. Unfortunately, he will be 31 next season, and he clearly isn't as spry as he once was.

That's why, despite leading the team in tackles (by a large margin), being 24th in the league in run defense according to PFF, and earning a Pro Bowl nod, he's still a liability in coverage.

It is a losing formula to have him be the best coverage linebacker on the team, but in 2022, that was exactly the case, as Williams (57th out of 71) and Alexander (43rd out of 71) offered very little help in that area.

It's probably early to really hone in on specific draft prospects before the NFL Combine and such, but I'd be lying if I said I haven't thought about how Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders would look in Gotham Green.

His ability to defend the pass would put him tops on the team, but he's no slouch in the run game either, with 9.5 sacks and three forced fumbles this season for the Razorbacks.

If not, then this is one where I'd strongly suggest restructuring Mosley's contract and freeing up enough money to sign another veteran linebacker.

It's tough to teach an old dog new tricks, and while Williams has improved, it would just be easier to sign someone who has proven ability in coverage than hope he eventually picks it up to a high level.

It would be unacceptable to trot out this same trio next season, as the hole in the middle of the field was the main reason culprit that held back the Jets' defense from being one of the true elites in the league.

By the end of the year, tight end after tight end kept gashing them in the middle. It's time to correct that issue with better coverage at LB (in addition to that young moldable safety).