An Overview of The 2021 New York Jets

The Jets were a laughing stock in 2020, there is really no other way to put it and it was topped off with a coincidental win that lost them generational prospect, Trevor Lawrence. However, they may as well had the number one overall with getting Zach Wilson who’s as good as any other number one draft pick from the past few drafts. They also landed one of the most advantageous coaches available with Robert Saleh who was easily the best option available for the Jets in particular. While Saleh not only brings a legitimate chance to build one of the best cultures the Jets have ever had and coach up an elite defense, he also managed to bring over Mike Lefleur from San Fransico to take the hands of the offensive playcalling. Though they weren’t slam dunk free agent signings, WR Corey Davis and EDGE Carl Lawson were very nice additions to the team who’ll bring a significant impact to two very important position groups. In addition to those new players, New York grabbed a handful of other quality players through the draft and free agency. Considering just how terrible this team was a year ago, I am rather impressed with the current shape this roster is in, and with the combo of Zach Wilson and Robert Saleh, I’d be very optimistic for the future as a Jets fan.

NYJ Offense

After the failure of both Sam Darnold and Adam Gase in New York, they’re fortunate enough to start fresh with Rookie QB Zach Wilson. While Darnold at one point was a prospect comparable to Wilson and even though New York was only able to fetch a 2nd round pick for him, his contract demanded a decision on giving him his 5th-year option and it was a big question whether or not Darnold’s development was salvageable in New York. Wilson and new OC Mike Lefleur pair perfectly schematically but meanwhile the surrounding help in place is in need of development before becoming sufficient. The rookie LT Mekhi Becton with raw talent as a prospect surprisingly was a stud player in 2020 among a group of replacement level players. Although I don’t think OG Alijah Vera-Tucker was a player worth trading up to pick fourteen to get, he’s still an upgrade and has a small chance of ending up a bust. Signing Morgan Moses ensures serviceable play but this O-line is nowhere near a strength. The receiving core has a good balance of talent, potential, and experience with Davis, Jamison Crowder, Elijah Moore plus a few other guys. The important components of this offense are by no means hindrances to the offense but it will take a few players to develop and step up into star players in order for this offense to be competitive.

Overall OFF Grade: 73.7 (22)

• View bottom of page for notes on grades.

NYJ Defense

The small strengths this defense displayed last season are all of what kept the Jets from being the worst team in the past decade. Fortunately, those strengths only got better over the offseason, and the likelihood of this entire defense developing into a high-end one is very likely to happen sooner than later with Robert Saleh getting to coach the potential on this defense. The run defense was this team’s best strength in 2020 despite the injury luck they suffered from injuries on the D-Line, and the DT Folorunso Fatukasi is a big reason for that. They signed IDL Sheldon Rankins who’ll also contribute in the pass rush and are also expecting a breakout season from the former third overall pick Quinnen Williams coming into his third season. Williams has the upside to quickly become an elite IDL given his production last year playing around subpar players and now getting the chance to be coached by Robert Saleh. With Carl Lawson as a pass rusher and CJ Mosely as a mike linebacker, this front seven is great all around and should only continue to get better. The secondary as it stands is the major reason for this defense not ranking among the top half in the league as Bless Austin and Bryce Hall are long shots to be quality outside corners at this point. As despairing as the Jets franchise has been over the years, I imagine their fanbase is still optimistic for this defense to eventually grow into something great.

Overall DEF Grade: 75.9 (19)

• View the bottom of page for notes on grades.

Projected Record: 6-11 (4th DIV)

NYJ 2021 Schedule

• Individual grades are based on scale of 50-100.