ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 09: Zach Wilson #2 of the New York Jets walks on the field during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images)
New York Jets
What went well: Although it wasn’t as prominent as the work done in Miami, the Jets still invested heavily in their young quarterback. Joe Douglas, the general manager, used a first-rounder to wideout Garrett Wilson and a second-rounder in running back Breece Hall. Douglas, a former Eagles executive, was not surprised to invest in big men in the front. The Jets signed guard Laken Thomaslinson from the 49ers and added three tight ends in Cincinnati’s C.J. Uzomah, Minnesota’s Tyler Conklin, and third-round selection Jeremy Ruckert. New York is well-equipped with Braxton Berrios and Corey Davis returning. Zach Wilson will also be back in New York. We have no clue if Wilson is the answer at quarterback, but the Jets will be in good shape if he is. My guess, though is that he will not end up being the answer. Check out the best bookmakers for betting on the NFL!
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Douglas was able to strengthen several positions in the defense of Robert Saleh, who had been struggling in 2022. The Jets selected cornerback Ahmad Gardner as their first-round pick, making Saleh the No. 1 corner of prototypical size. D.J. Reed joins the Seahawks to assume the role of D.J. Douglas, and moved up to grab the No. 26 pick.
There is a lot of room for error with draft picks. Gardner may struggle against the best competition. Wilson may not be the No. 1 wideout. Given the Jets’ current roster, it is plausible that they will take a significant step forward in 2022 due to the talent they acquired this offseason. Check out the top new sportsbooks for betting on Football! This is an important step.
What went wrong? The Jets required cornerbacks. But Reed was available on waivers last year, and they passed twice before Reed signed with the Seahawks. The Jets offered a $10.5 million guarantee to Reed, the 25-year old, for the 2022 season. Douglas could have waited to see if the market would change and found a better deal with a friendlier team.
They could do differently: Berrios was a capable slot receiver who made excellent returns for the Jets in 2021. However, the team had to expect to draft wide receivers early in the 2022 draft. The Jets were also considered for Tyreek Hill before he chose Miami. Berrios, with Moore and Davis locked into roles, Berrios will be the team’s fourth wide receiver/return man and make $7 million. This is money that the team could have used to add depth or a secondary player or to add another edge pass rusher.
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Next: While the Jets imported Jordan Whitehead, they will be bringing back veteran LaMarcus Joyner after a season-ending elbow injury. However, they still have room for another safety. With 2020 second-rounder Denzel Mims still buried at wide receiver, I wonder whether they would trade the wideout for a safety who desperately needs a new start. They might also consider Jaquiski Tartt a potential target, who is still unsigned, having played for Saleh in San Francisco.
Conclusion: The Jets had a great draft and excellent free-agent period; they will be better. With that being said, they need a big-time quarterback, and Zach Wilson will never be that guy.
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