New York Jets: 5 Biggest needs in 2018 NFL Draft, pre-free agency

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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) /

5. Punter

Unless something in the game goes really badly, the punter largely goes unnoticed. However, he plays a huge role in the field position game, which is very important in determining the outcome of games in the NFL.

The Jets offense will likely have a lot of new pieces, and it will take time for they to click together. So, having a punter that can help flip field position, put the defense in a position where stops are easier, and then give the offense better field position.

Luckily for the Jets, there’s a great punter available in the 2018 NFL Draft. Lachlan Edwards was in the top 10 in gross punt average in 2017, but that’s where it stops being good for him. He was tied for 16th in percentage of punts inside the 20 and fair catch percentage. The Jets also allowed 491 return yards on 49 returns. The 49 return allowed was most in the NFL, and that’s unacceptable.

If the defense is constantly put in a position where the opposing offense doesn’t have far to go to score, eventually they will. Say what you will about the position, but it’s a very important player, and if you can get your hands on a young one who can bomb it consistently, not allow returns, and give the opponent bad field position, he becomes a must draft, especially when an offense has many new pieces.

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