Between the New York Jets quarterback mystery, Muhammad Wilkerson‘s contract, and the addition of Ryan Clady, draft day will be crucial.
By Matt Barbato
But does Clady’s presence mean New York’s top draft priority lies outside of the trenches?
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The usual position culprits remain, but which is the most pressing need?
Here are New York’s five biggest needs with two weeks until draft day:
5. Cornerback
The New York Jets went on a free agency spending spree at this position last offseason when they signed Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie and Buster Skrine. But Cromartie has already been cut after just one season back in the Big Apple, Revis didn’t look like the Revis Island of old, and Skrine is best utilized as a slot corner.
Marcus Williams stood out last season and led the team with six interceptions, but it’s uncertain whether the third-year corner is a capable starter. The Jets also have youngsters Dee Milliner and Dex McDougle, but both are extremely injury prone.
Clemson’s Mackensie Alexander or Ohio State’s Eli Apple could be on the board when the Jets pick. Don’t be surprised if Maccagnan decides to bolster the secondary in the first round.
4. Tight end
The Jets got barely any production from their tight ends last season. Jace Amaro missed the entire season with an injury while Jeff Cumberland and Kellen Davis were mainly used as blocking dummies. The two combined to catch eight passes for 95 yards and a touchdown last year. Cumberland is now in San Diego and Davis won’t see his role enhanced any time soon.
The problem is the tight end crop isn’t strong in this draft class. Arkansas’ Hunter Henry is by far the top prospect, but he probably isn’t worth picking at No. 20 and probably won’t be around by New York’s next pick.
There are a handful of prospects with second day grades, but they probably aren’t worth a third or fourth round pick. The Jets will likely take their chances on a rebound season from Amaro.
3. Quarterback
This could become New York’s top priority if it can’t reach a deal with Ryan Fitzpatrick. But even if the Jets do re-sign Fitzpatrick, they will still need to find the franchise quarterback that has evaded them for decades.
Fitzpatrick’s shelf life probably wouldn’t last much longer than 2017. He’s already 33 years old and it’s hard to expect a duplication of his career season.
The Jets will have plenty of options at quarterback throughout the draft. The top quarterbacks – Cal’s Jared Goff and North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz – probably aren’t realistic options, barring a trade. But there are plenty of talented quarterbacks in this draft outside of those two.
Memphis QB Paxton Lynch possesses a ton of upside and arm talent, but could afford a season on the bench learning a pro style offense. Michigan State’s Connor Cook and Penn State’s Christian Hackenberg are each enticing prospects with their fair share of flaws.
How things play out with Fitzpatrick over the next couple of weeks could determine the future of the New York Jets quarterback conundrum.
2. Offensive Line
The Clady acquisition is a high-risk, high reward venture for the Jets in 2016, but it isn’t a long-term solution. Clady, 29, is coming off of a torn ACL that kept him out the entire 2015 season. He’s previously suffered a torn patella tendon and a Lisfranc foot fracture and is far from a sure bet to play all 16 games next season. He’d also have to play pretty well for the Jets to pick up his $10 million option in 2017.
When healthy, Clady is one of the top pass blockers in the entire league. But the Jets still have a couple of glaring holes along a regressing offensive line.
Right guard is the most tenuous spot on the line. Fourth-year pro Brian Winters is the incumbent starter heading into 2016, but he was merely average last season. Winters received a 53.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus that ranked 58th among guards.
The Jets could also afford an upgrade at right tackle, as Breno Giacomini was below average in 2015. Giacomini received a 36.3 overall grade from PFF, ranking 64th among offensive tackles. His 36.0 run blocking grade was also indicative of a regression.
There should be options for the Jets in the first round. Michigan State tackle Jack Conklin and Ohio State tackle Taylor Decker possess the most upside outside of Ole Miss left tackle Laremy Tunsil, who will likely be taken in the top three. If all three are off the board, Texas A&M lineman Germain Ifedi could be in play.
Ideally, the Jets would find a lineman who can start immediately at right guard with the potential to kick out to either tackle position in 2017. The Jets need to establish more depth on the line and find an eventual replacement for the aging Nick Mangold.
1. Outside Linebacker (Edge Rusher)
The Jets need an explosive edge rusher or two to pair with its talented defensive line. Adding help along the edge is even more pivotal with Damon Harrison joining the Giants and Muhammad Wilkerson possibly on his way out soon.
The Jets are hoping Lorenzo Mauldin develops into a three-down linebacker, but outside of him there isn’t much talent at the position. Trevor Reilly played sparingly during his second season and the Jets are hoping Canadian league product Freddie Bishop can replicate something close to his 11-sack season for the Calgary Stampeders last season.
New York could have its choice of a few outside linebackers at pick No. 20. Georgia’s Leonard Floyd, Ohio State’s Darron Lee, Eastern Kentucky’s Noah Spence and Boise State’s Kamalei Correa all could be in consideration for Gang Green. Each of them possess immense talent, but also have worrisome flaws.