New York Jets: 2018 Offseason predictions through the draft

FLORHAM PARK, NJ - JANUARY 21: New York Jets Owner Woody Johnson (C) poses with new General Manager Mike Maccagnan (L) and new Head Coach Todd Bowles after they were introduced to the media during a press conference on January 21, 2015 in Florham Park, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz /Getty Images) /

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STILLWATER, OK – OCTOBER 1 : Punter Michael Dickson #13 of the Texas Longhorns kicks during the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys October 1, 2016 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Cowboys defeated the Longhorns 49-31. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /

Jets punter Lachlan Edwards has only shown marginal improvement from 2016 to 2017. He had the ninth highest difference between average punt yardage and net punt average (6.1). He also allowed 10 yards per return which is ninth-most in the NFL. The 23 fair catches forced was tied for 10th in the NFL. So, that’s a positive, but it still means he’s allowing too many returns. It’s time for the Jets to have a punter battle in camp.

While it’s the punter, and some may scoff at the idea of “wasting” a draft pick on a punter, football is a three-phase game (offense, defense, and special teams). The punter plays a huge role in the field position game. The right punter can flip field position. That’ll make it easier on the defense to play aggressively, which is what Todd Bowles wants.

Dickson was the Ray Guy Award winner for the best punter in the nation. Dickson had a net punt average of 44.2 and that only differed from his overall average by 3.2 yards. He can give Edwards a run for his money in camp. If he wins the job, it will enhance the field position battle immediately, and the Jets would be in business.

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