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New York Jets: 4 Players that need to bounce back in 2017

By Stephen Smith

Oct 2, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) celebrates after a blocked pass in the second half at MetLife Stadium. Seattle Seahawks defeat the New York Jets 27-17. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) celebrates after a blocked pass in the second half at MetLife Stadium. Seattle Seahawks defeat the New York Jets 27-17. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 23, 2017; Florham Park, NY, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker (87) catches a pass during organized team activities at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2017; Florham Park, NY, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker (87) catches a pass during organized team activities at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Eric Decker

The 30-year-old veteran wide receiver suffered through a season to forget in 2016 – he played in just three games due to hip and shoulder injuries. Those injuries required off-season surgeries so the question heading into the new season is pretty basic – is Decker fully recovered and, if so, how productive can he be going forward?

The University of Minnesota product has been participating in OTA’s so far while wearing a non-contact jersey, per Rotoworld. He is performing in team drills so everything is looking optimistic so far and Decker is hopeful of participating fully in training camp in late July.

When he was on the football field, Decker was still a real threat last year – he had nine receptions for 194 yards and two touchdowns in those three contests. If he can remain healthy, Decker will move into the number one receiver role now that Brandon Marshall has departed for the New York Giants. He’ll team with Quincy Enunwa and rookies ArDarius Stewart and Chad Hansen to give Gang Green a talented group of wideouts.

If he can stay healthy.

That’s still a big “if” at the present time. However, the signs appear to be quite positive as the Jets move closer to minicamp on June 13. It’s an important season for Decker as he tries to re-establish himself as one of the premier wide receivers in the NFL.

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