Ranking every NFL team’s offensive supporting cast post-draft
26. New York Jets
RB: Le’Veon Bell, Lamical Perine, Trenton Cannon (21/25)
Despite his poor performance last season, Le’Veon Bell has a track record of being one of the best backs in the NFL. Last season was his first season since 2015 in which he failed to top 1,500 total yards, so I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt given he had just returned from a year off and suffered from the enigma that is Adam Gase. Lamical Perine will probably be a change of pace back this season, but he’s a solid depth piece with some upside.
WR: Denzel Mims, Jamison Crowder, Breshad Perriman, Quincy Enunwa (17/25)
The Jets didn’t do too much to upgrade the receiving room, but their additions were positive nonetheless. New York replaced Robby Anderson with Breshad Perriman, who totaled 349 receiving yards over the last three games of 2019.
They also grabbed Denzel Mims in the second round, a prospect that unexpectedly fell down draft boards despite his size and talent. The Jets’ receiving core is much improved, but they still pale in comparison to many of the wide receiver units in the league.
TE: Chris Herndon, Ryan Griffin (18/25)
Chris Herndon was expected to have a breakout season in 2019 after his 500-yard campaign in 2018, but nagging injuries forced him to miss most of the season. Nonetheless, Ryan Griffin filled in quite well by catching 34 balls for 320 yards and five touchdowns. With Herndon returning to the lineup, the Jets field a tight end group with much potential, although far from a proven track record.
Offensive Line: Mekhi Becton, Alex Lewis, Connor McGovern, Brian Winters, Greg Van Rotten (18/25)
The Jets did exactly what they were supposed to do this offseason: protect Sam Darnold. They did so by signing five linemen in free agency and drafting Mekhi Becton with their first-round pick. Still, many of the free agents they signed were mid-tier starters and part-time players. They’ll need to show progress and early cohesion if they want to improve from the 52 sacks given up last season.
Total Score: 74/100
Summary: Le’Veon Bell headlines this skill position group, but most of the players on the offensive side of the ball are average players. While Mims and Herndon have the potential to be above average contributors, the remainder of the roster has a capped ceiling. Still, Sam Darnold should have a much improved season with the reinforcements on the front lines.