New York Jets still have a lot of work ahead of them
The New York Jets have had a successful off-season so far. With that being said, there is more work to be done for them to become playoff contenders in 2019.
Anyway you slice it, it’s been a stellar off-season for the New York Jets. General manager Mike Maccagnan landed the biggest fish in the free agent pool when he inked halfback Le’Veon Bell to a four-year, $52.5 million pact ($35 million guaranteed).
Despite sitting out the entire 2018 season with the Steelers due to a contract dispute, Bell should remain the premier running back in the NFL. He gives Gang Green a dimension they have not had in the backfield since the glory days of Hall of Famer Curtis Martin.
Maccagnan also signed C.J. Mosley, one of the finest inside linebackers in the NFL and traded with Oakland for left guard Kelechi Osemele, one of the best at his position as well. You add in wide receiver Jamison Crowder and cornerback Brian Poole, and the Jets are definitely a more formidable squad.
There is more work that needs to be done though. Maccagnan needs to nail the upcoming NFL Draft in a big way. It appears he’ll be able to draft a premier edge rusher, something the green and white has needed since the days of John Abraham (2000-05).
If the Arizona Cardinals select Kyler Murray with the first pick, the Jets should come away with either Nick Bosa (Ohio State) or Josh Allen (Kentucky) with the third overall selection. I don’t want to hear anything about trading down — Maccagnan has to get a superior pass rusher. They are like gold in the NFL.
Following that, with five remaining picks (including a pair in the third round), Maccagnan can concentrate on acquiring help — especially at cornerback, offensive line, defensive line and wide receiver. Third round targets to keep an eye on are Kaleb McGary (OT, Washington), Dre’Mont Jones (DT, Ohio State) and Mecole Hardman (WR, Georgia).
It’s time for Maccagnan to fortify the offensive line and protect franchise signal-caller Sam Darnold. With the departure of Buster Skrine (Bears) and sub-par performances from Trumaine Johnson and Morris Claiborne last season, the Jets need to improve their talent base at cornerback as well. Some late round targets include Sean Bunting (Central Michigan) and Justin Layne (Michigan State).
Next. 2019 NFL Mock Draft: Post-free agency first wave. dark
In order to finally dethrone the New England Patriots as champions of the AFC East, the Jets have a lot of hard work ahead of them. Great things can be accomplished in the draft. Hopefully Maccagnan is up to the task. If not, his job could very well be on the line.