NY Jets 2023 Spring Depth Chart Preview: Cornerback

The last time the NY Jets were genuinely contending for a Super Bowl in the AFC, they were led by an outstanding defense with the incredible cornerback duo of Darelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie. Now, they may just have the next best thing in 2023.

Beyond that, this is a deep, fun unit that has all the tools necessary to be the best overall group in the NFL, but after such an incredible year in 2022, highlighted by Defensive Rookie of the Year and All-Pro Sauce Gardner, the pressure is on once again for them, so can they deliver?

Depth Chart

• Sauce Gardner
• D.J. Reed
• Michael Carter II
• Brandin Echols
• Bryce Hall
• Justin Hardee

What are the pros of the 2023 NY Jets cornerback group?

While there are some great cornerback duos around the NFL right now, there's arguably no pairing better than Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed, who together can orchestrate one of the best defensive units in the entire NFL.

Beyond that, Michael Carter II has solidified himself as one of the best slot cornerbacks in the NFL, and with such depth, athleticism, and dynamic playmakers up and down this group, expectations are incredibly high.

This is a unit that's ready to exceed any of those expectations, and if they can stay healthy, we could no doubt see another year of shutdown play, especially as they go head-to-head with the best of the best wide receivers in the entire league.

What are the cons of the 2023 NY Jets cornerback group?

As far as any position groups in the NFL go, the Jets cornerback room is as close to perfect as it gets, but that may be part of the problem, as the expectations are sky high. If they start out slow, the New York media and fans may be ready to pounce.

If either Gardner or Reed goes down for an extended period of time, the Jets have Bryce Hall and Brandin Echols ready to step into the role, but beyond that, it could be a crisis if one or both of them go down.

Ultimately, if the Jets are healthy, they have all the attributes needed to meet the challenge of top wide receivers week in, week out, but with such high expectations comes even more pressure, and with even one bad game, things could spiral.

Who will be the biggest stud on this 2023 NY Jets cornerback unit?

It's not very often in recent memory that the Jets can lay claim to having arguably the best player in the NFL at a specific position, but they can do that in 2023. After an incredible rookie campaign from Sauce Gardner, many consider him to be the best cornerback in the NFL.

With elite length, speed, athleticism, and awareness, Gardner hasn't even entered his prime yet, and with D.J. Reed on the other side, together, this duo is going to make life difficult for opposing receivers for 17 games next season.

While this defense has plenty of important pieces, none can influence their potential success more than Gardner, and if he can improve his ball skills in 2023, he may make a genuine case to be a contender for NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

What are the cornerback storylines to watch at NY Jets OTAs and training camp?

There are so many stories around this organization to watch over the coming weeks and months, but for the cornerback position, the majority of affairs seem to be in order already, with very little controversy expected.

With all three starting spots set in stone with Gardner, Reed, and Carter, as well as Bryce Hall and Brandin Echols for depth, there's not likely to be any battles for a role in the top-five of the depth chart.

As always, though, keep an eye on the health of their biggest stars, and if they can get through to the regular season healthy, this is going to be a very fun group to watch once again throughout the 2023 season.

Predictions for the 2023 NY Jets cornerback room?

Defensively, this Jets team is expected to be top-five in the NFL in the upcoming season, and after being snubbed for a Pro Bowl and All-Pro, this will hopefully be the year that D.J. Reed gets recognized for his elite play.

With both Gardner and Reed healthy, this team should shut down any opposing wide receiver tandem, and with all the discourse surrounding the top cornerback duos in the league, this is the year for them to solidify themselves at the No. 1 spot.

One surprise that could occur in 2023 is a Pro Bowl spot for nickel cornerback Michael Carter, who has become one of the best in the NFL at his position. Regardless, this is a team with incredibly high expectations, and with their talent, they're no doubt ready to fulfill all of them.