New York Jets: 5 Bold predictions for 2018 at start of OTAs

The New York Jets are still rebuilding, but 2018 will be a step in the right direction.

The New York Jets finally have their franchise quarterback. However, 2018 isn’t just about Sam Darnold. The Jets want to get back to playing defense the way they did in 2015. So, they signed Trumaine Johnson as a free agent and drafted Parry Nickerson in the sixth round. They also drafted two pieces, who, by the end of the season, will have made an impact — Foley Fatukasi (sixth round) and Nathan Shepherd (third round).

The Jets have made a few changes on the offensive side of the ball, though. They added a receiver who amassed 1,000 yards in his first season in transition from the quarterback position, Terrelle Pryor, and they added a running back, Isaiah Crowell, who has averaged 4.2 yards per carry in his career.

So, what’s in store for the Jets in 2018? Let’s take a gander.

5. An improved offensive line

Even though the Jets didn’t make any additions to the offensive line, they hope that the performance of James Carpenter was simply do to playing with an injury. In addition they hope a return to form for Brian Winters after landing on injured reserve last season. According to Pro Football Focus, the Jets offensive tackles, Brandon Shell and Kelvin Beachum played well in the second half of 2017, and maybe there will be a carryover to 2018.

There weren’t wholesale changes, except at center. So, most people have set the bar low. However, there should be an improvement just by players returning and the upgrade at center.