Ranking the 10 most important players to the future of the NY Jets

The NY Jets have been building for quite some time, but things have looked progressively better since Joe Douglas took over the team. Now, they now have a good, solid, young core that is ready to help the team climb back to the playoffs.

There are certainly more questions than answers at this point, as few of their young guns have proven themselves over an extended period of time, but based on potential, star power, and fit with this current group, there's plenty to be optimistic about.

All players on a football team are important to success, that's why it's seen as the ultimate team sport, but given the current state of the Jets, these are the 10 young, up-and-coming players that mean the most to the future of this organization.

1. Zach Wilson, QB, NY Jets

When Joe Douglas took over, Sam Darnold was the QB of the Jets, but not wanting to hitch his wagon to the former USC stud, now NFL dud, Douglas made a move to draft BYU star Zach Wilson at No. 2 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.

His rookie season wasn't quite the breakout that some were predicting, but toward the end of the season, Wilson showed what potential he has. After building more and more talent around him, his sophomore campaign could be one to watch.

Quarterback is commonly known as the most important position in sports, and one the Jets have failed to securely nail in decades. But if Wilson can be the prospect that most believe he can be, the Jets will have a chance no matter what.

2. Mekhi Becton, OT, NY Jets

The Jets have done a great job rebuilding their offensive line, with additions like Connor McGovern, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and Laken Tomlinson, but it's 2020 first-round draft pick Mekhi Becton that holds the key.

When healthy, Becton can form a lethal right side alongside AVT, but his health has been a concern over the last 12 months. As Zach Wilson is the most important young Jet going forward, it makes sense that one of his main protectors isn't far behind.

2022 is a make-or-break year for Becton, as the Jets may look to move in another direction if he doesn't prove he can stay healthy, but given the talent we saw on display in his rookie year, 2022 could be a breakout season for No. 77.

3. Elijah Moore, WR, NY Jets

One thing the Jets have severely lacked (outside of one season with Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall) is elite-level playmakers, and if Elijah Moore can play every game in 2022, he may enter that next level of star in the NFL.

Moore starred in 2021 during a stretch that saw him put up Pro Bowl type numbers, and with more and more weapons joining the Jets every year, it's only going to give No. 8 that many more chances to succeed.

Garrett Wilson has also joined the fold, and those two could be a lethal pairing on the outside for the next decade, but it's Moore who has the true X-factor. If Zach Wilson, and therefore the Jets, are to succeed, Moore will play a huge role in that.

4. Sauce Gardner, CB, NY Jets

Sauce Gardner may not have played a down for the Jets yet, but given the length, skillset, and swagger he will bring to the team, it's safe to say he could lead this defense for as long as he wants.

A lot of young players on this Jets squad have been brought in to help Zach Wilson, and while Gardner's play will do that, he needs to bring energy and swagger to that locker room that will help everyone, not just one side of the ball.

The Jets have been losing for a long time, and it takes players with the attitude of Sauce to turn things around. If they can do that, we may be seeing a player that will go on to accomplish great things for this franchise.

5. Alijah Vera-Tucker, OG, NY Jets

We've already mentioned Mekhi Becton, so let's talk about the other young offensive lineman that's been brought in to protect No. 2, the Jets' biggest long-term investment.

That would be Alijah Vera-Tucker, who, after his rookie campaign, looks like he could be one of the best guards in the NFL one day.

With Laken Tomlinson taking up the left guard spot in 2022, it's going to be a big adjustment for Vera-Tucker to move over to the right, but if he can feed off the energy of Becton, we could be looking at an excellent combination for years to come.

6. Quinnen Williams, DT, NY Jets

Quinnen Williams was drafted No. 3 overall back in 2019 with lofty expectations, and while he may not have reached those heights yet, 2022 seems to be the year many expect that next big step for the young defensive tackle.

While Williams can sometimes be unstoppable, his play hasn't reached that consistent level yet, but with the additions of Carl Lawson and Jermaine Johnson, the Jets may have some fun terrorizing opposing QBs in 2022.

Ultimately, Williams is ready to take the next step, and for this defense to be great, he needs to play at a more consistent level. If not, the Jets may need to move on. If he can do that, however, we could be looking at elite defenders on several levels for Gang Green.

7. Garrett Wilson, WR, NY Jets

The Jets have been desperate for playmakers over the past decade, and that didn't stop them from adding yet another weapon on offense when they drafted Ohio State stud Garrett Wilson at No. 10 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Pairing Wilson with Elijah Moore and Corey Davis gives them a lethal wide receiver group that can grow alongside Zach Wilson for years. It's safe to say that Jets fans can't wait to see the Wilson-to-Wilson connection time and time again.

Wilson gives the Jets another weapon that can score from anywhere on the field, and with so many talented players to defend, if they can all stay healthy, this may be a very high-scoring offense for many years.

8. Michael Carter, RB, NY Jets

The Jets were able to grab an absolute steal in Michael Carter back in the 2021 NFL Draft, and with the addition of Breece Hall in 2022, the Jets have potentially one of the most dangerous backfields in the entire NFL.

One of the biggest factors in successful teams is culture, and Carter is a big part of the youth movement going forward. With the chemistry we've seen so far with Elijah Moore, Zach Wilson, and others, we hope Carter's a Jet for a long time to come.

On the field, there is very little Carter can't do, and after the success the Jets had in 2009-2010 with a great running back tandem, taking as much pressure off of Wilson is paramount.

9. Jermaine Johnson, DE, NY Jets

It's well known by now that the Jets wanted Florida State edge rusher Jermaine Johnson in the top-10 of the 2022 NFL Draft, but somehow, the team was able to trade back into the first round to select him at No. 26 overall.

With Carl Lawson returning from injury, Johnson may not see starter minutes immediately, but once he finds his role in this defense, his motor, energy, and pure talent for the game will see him become a true game-changer for New York.

Lawson is a good veteran for this team, but Johnson represents the future, and with Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner also on this list, it sets New York up to have a solid group of leaders on that side of the ball for years to come.

10. Breece Hall, RB, NY Jets

Breece Hall was No. 1 on most running back big boards in this year's draft, and while some argue that the Jets taking a running back that early was silly, the fact that Joe Douglas could make that happen is a testament to how much he wants to help his young QB.

We won't find out just how the Jets will split carries until training camp or pre-season, but right now, the team has what could become a two-headed beast. With youth on their side, Hall and Carter could be a key to this team for quite some time.

Hall has big-play ability like few coming out of this draft, and for a team so desperate to help Zach Wilson and this offense as a whole, Hall will be vital to the energy and efficiency of this ever-improving roster.