New York Jets: Early 2018 starting lineup projections, offense
Pass Catchers
Robby Anderson, Jermaine Kearse, Quincy Enunwa (WR)
Chris Herndon (TE)
Naming Enunwa as a starter in three-wide sets comes with the caveat that he continues to progress well from the neck injury (bulging disc) that forced him to miss the entire 2017 campaign. So far he is working in individual drills in OTAs and should be ready to go fully by training camp. If he has a setback, look for free agent signee Terrelle Pryor to be the favorite to fill in. Pryor was the bust of the 2017 season for the Washington Redskins and has a ton to prove moving forward.
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Anderson may be facing a suspension from the league due to his off-the-field issues but when he’s on the gridiron he gives the Jets a dynamic they really need more of: speed. The Temple product led the team with seven touchdowns last season. He added a team-high 941 receiving yards on 63 receptions. Anderson needs to gain a little weight to get stronger but more importantly he has to stay out of trouble and concentrate on football.
Kearse came over from Seattle in the Sheldon Richardson trade and enjoyed a very productive 2017 campaign for Gang Green. The six-year veteran led the team in catches (65) while chipping in with 810 receiving yards and five touchdowns. He’s a reliable receiver on third down, a player that will help move the chains with his precise route running and strong hands.
Enunwa’s return to full health is vitally important for New York. He enjoyed a breakout season in 2016 with 58 receptions for 857 yards and four scores. He’d provide the Jets with a solid player that can make the tough catch in traffic and break tackles. He’s known for his YAC (yards after catch) prowess.
The tight end position is up in the air at this point between Herndon, Eric Tomlinson, Jordan Leggett and Clive Walford. I give the edge to Herndon, a fourth-round pick from the University of Miami, at this point based on his high ceiling and strong receiving skills. He is recovering from knee surgery but hopes to be 100 percent by the start of training camp.