Roster Changes

 

Key additions

QB Trevor Siemian, RB Le’Veon Bell, RB Ty Montgomery, WR Jamison Crowder, WR Josh Bellamy, G Kelechi Osemele, G Tom Compton, ILB C.J. Mosley, CB Brian Poole

 

Key losses

QB Josh McCown, RB Bilal Powell, RB Isaiah Crowell, WR Jermaine Kearse, WR Andre Roberts, WR Rishard Matthews, G James Carpenter, DL Mike Pennel, OLB Jerry Attaochu, CB Morris Claiborne, CB Buster Skrine

 

2019 draft class

DL Quinnen Williams (1.03), OLB Jachai Polite (3.68), OT Chuma Edoga (3.92), TE Trevon Wesco (4.121), ILB Blake Cashman (5.157), CB Blessuan Austin (6.196)

 

Projected Starters

 

Offense

QB: Sam Darnold
RB: Le’Veon Bell
WR: Robby Anderson
WR: Quincy Enunwa
WR: Jamison Crowder
TE: Chris Herndon
LT: Kelvin Beachum
LG: Kelechi Osemele
C: Jonotthan Harrison
RG: Brian Winters
RT: Brandon Shell

 

Defense

DE: Leonard Williams
DT: Quinnen Williams
DE: Henry Anderson
OLB: Jordan Jenkins
ILB: C.J. Mosley
ILB: Avery Williamson
OLB: Jachai Polite
CB: Trumaine Johnson
CB: Brian Poole
S: Marcus Maye
S: Jamal Adams

 

Team Outlook

 

Notable depth

QB Trevor Siemian, RB Ty Montgomery, RB Elijah McGuire, WR Josh Bellamy, WR Deontay Burnett, TE Jordan Leggett, TE Trevon Wesco, TE Eric Tomlinson, OT Chuma Edoga, OT Brent Qvale, G Tom Compton, DE Nathan Shepherd, DE Folorunso Fatukasi, DT Steven McLendon, OLB Brandon Copeland, ILB Darron Lee, ILB Blake Cashman, CB Rashard Robinson, CB Parry Nickerson, DB Darryl Roberts

 

Biggest strength: Defensive line

If I were expanding to multiple position groups, the entire defensive front would be the strength for New York, especially if Jachai Polite can provide juice off the edge to complement Leonard Williams and Quinnen Williams on the interior. But just talking about the defensive line, Henry Anderson recorded 7.0 sacks last year in his first season with the Jets, and 2018 third-rounder Nathan Shepherd will hopefully make a bigger impact with a year of NFL experience under his belt. Altogether, the Williams duo, Anderson, Shepherd, and veteran Steve McLendon are a very formidable group.

 

Biggest weakness: Cornerback

The Jets would likely look a lot better right now if Trumaine Johnson—who was signed to a five-year, $72.5-million deal last offseason—lived up to expectations, so barring a complete turnaround this fall, the roster doesn’t seem to have anyone with a chance to emerge as a No. 1 corner. That’s obviously not a good sign considering the passing attacks (NE, KC, PIT, CLE) they would potentially have to face to win in January.

 

Position battle to watch: Cornerback

Staying at cornerback, New York must be hoping for passable play from the combination of Brian Poole, Rashard Robinson, Parry Nickerson, and Darryl Roberts considering they weren’t able to add more competition high in the draft. Poole started nine games for Atlanta last season and played well, but he will ideally man in the slot. Perhaps Morris Claiborne will be re-signed at some point if the team realizes the group needs help.

 

One more thought

The Jets will go as far as Sam Darnold will take them, but he needs to cut down on the turnovers after throwing 15 interceptions and fumbling five times as a rookie. Remember, turnovers were the big flaw for Darnold coming out of USC, and the microscope will be on him after the team hired an offensive head coach and signed one of the best running backs in football to take the pressure off as their offensive centerpiece.

 

Early over/under: 7.5 wins (via CBS Sports)

Over. The schedule is daunting, but Adam Gase consistently overachieved in Miami, so there’s no reason to believe he won’t be able to get the best out of his young quarterback and turn New York into a possible playoff team if they can hover around .500 entering December. The impact signings from this offseason (Le’Veon Bell and C.J. Mosley) and last offseason (Trumaine Johnson) being big-time contributors is crucial.