Brian Lendino breaks down the team needs of the New York Jets letting you know where the team’s focus will be this offseason during free agency and the 2012 NFL draft.
Rex Ryan and the Jets may be inching closer and closer towards thin ice, and if they don’t start putting some wins where their mouths are, we may see some serious changes. This team has some serious talent, there’s no denying that, but they’re losing some key veterans on offense and should look to improve a defense that wasn’t up to par in 2011.
Key Free Agents: Jim Leonhard (SS), Plaxico Burress (WR), LaDainian Tomlinson (RB)
Outside Linebacker: The Jets haven’t had a premier pass rusher despite their ability to put relentless pressure on opposing quarterbacks with Rex Ryan’s elaborate blitz packages. If they were to add an elite outside linebacker/defensive end to put Tom Brady on his butt the team maybe able to finally leapfrog the Patriots and win an AFC East title.
Wide Receiver: Despite having big names like Braylon Edwards, Derrick Mason, Jerricho Cotchery and even Plaxico Burress in the last few years, the Jets have yet to find a solid X wide receiver. Free Agency is littered with elite wide receivers that could flourish in the New York spot light and with a mid-first round selection they’re in a dangerous position to miss out on one of the few elites in the draft. However, this is a position they must address in some form this offseason.
Safety: The Jets already employ two solid safeties, and I expect them to re-sign Jim Leonhard and Eric Smith is a solid player at the free safety position. Talented depth couldn’t hurt though.
Running Back: Shonn Greene is a banger and not much of an open-field threat at the running back position. The Jets are a ground and pound football team and as LaDainian Tomlinson continues to rise the age ladder the Jets will need to add a speedier back to compliment Greene.
