Jets' missing pieces: 8 players who could make them a playoff team in 2018

[gmf1369]

NJDOTCOM -- The Jets last reached the playoffs in 2010, so they are in the midst of their longest playoff drought since 1970-80. Will they finally break their playoff drought in 2018? As they attempt to do so, let's take a look at the missing pieces — acquired via free agencyand the 2018 NFL Draft — who could make the Jets a playoff team next season. Granted, the Jets aren't going to get all of these guys, but some would be excellent for them.

This is a big offseason for Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan, as he enters Year 4 on the job. Maccagnan will have about $100 million in salary cap space to use in free agency, plus an extra premium draft pick, since the Jets have two second-rounders and one first-rounder this year.

RB CARLOS HYDE, 49ERS

Matt Forte is a goner, and Bilal Powell and Eli McGuire are fine backs, but not game-breaking stars by any means. Would Hyde, entering Year 5, be just the jolt of energy the Jets' backfield needs? Look, we'd be surprised if the Steelers let Le'Veon Bell hit free agency. If he does, the Jets should go after him. But absent that, Hyde is a nice option. He ran for 988 yards in 2016 and 938 in 2017, with six and eight touchdowns.


TE TYLER EIFERT, BENGALS

He would be an upgrade from Austin Seferian-Jenkins, who is a pending free agent. Maybe the Jets decide to save costs by re-signing Seferian-Jenkins instead of letting him walk and going after Eifert. In 2015, Eifert was a Pro Bowler, and he had 615 yards and 13 touchdown catches. He is entering Year 6 in 2018, coming off two abbreviated seasons — eight games in 2016 and two games in 2017. He has undergone back surgery in each of the past two seasons. But if he can get healthy, he'd be a nice addition for the Jets.


C BILLY PRICE, OHIO STATE

At this early stage, it looks like he will be the best center available in this year's draft. And the Jets have a need at the position, because Wesley Johnson likely will walk in free agency after struggling in 2017 as Nick Mangold's replacement. The Jets need a longer-term solution for filling Mangold's former spot. And Price looks like a good one, coming out of Mangold's alma mater. Not a super strong center free agent class this year, so the draft it is for this position with the Jets.

 

[AFA2017]

I'm not high on Hyde and FA class at Center has Jensen of the Ravens who is 25. Price is good, but I don't think he will slip to us in the 2nd RD.

 

[TonyFtLaud]

I'm not high on Hyde and FA class at Center has Jensen of the Ravens who is 25. Price is good, but I don't think he will slip to us in the 2nd RD.

Completely agree. Price is going to go mid to early first round. Keep seeing him on fan mocks to us with the late second round pick but I don't think he will get out of round 1. Could be a target if Mac trades back in round 1.

 

[TonyFtLaud]

NJDOTCOM -- The Jets last reached the playoffs in 2010, so they are in the midst of their longest playoff drought since 1970-80. Will they finally break their playoff drought in 2018? As they attempt to do so, let's take a look at the missing pieces — acquired via free agencyand the 2018 NFL Draft — who could make the Jets a playoff team next season. Granted, the Jets aren't going to get all of these guys, but some would be excellent for them.

This is a big offseason for Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan, as he enters Year 4 on the job. Maccagnan will have about $100 million in salary cap space to use in free agency, plus an extra premium draft pick, since the Jets have two second-rounders and one first-rounder this year.

RB CARLOS HYDE, 49ERS

Matt Forte is a goner, and Bilal Powell and Eli McGuire are fine backs, but not game-breaking stars by any means. Would Hyde, entering Year 5, be just the jolt of energy the Jets' backfield needs? Look, we'd be surprised if the Steelers let Le'Veon Bell hit free agency. If he does, the Jets should go after him. But absent that, Hyde is a nice option. He ran for 988 yards in 2016 and 938 in 2017, with six and eight touchdowns.


TE TYLER EIFERT, BENGALS

He would be an upgrade from Austin Seferian-Jenkins, who is a pending free agent. Maybe the Jets decide to save costs by re-signing Seferian-Jenkins instead of letting him walk and going after Eifert. In 2015, Eifert was a Pro Bowler, and he had 615 yards and 13 touchdown catches. He is entering Year 6 in 2018, coming off two abbreviated seasons — eight games in 2016 and two games in 2017. He has undergone back surgery in each of the past two seasons. But if he can get healthy, he'd be a nice addition for the Jets.


C BILLY PRICE, OHIO STATE

At this early stage, it looks like he will be the best center available in this year's draft. And the Jets have a need at the position, because Wesley Johnson likely will walk in free agency after struggling in 2017 as Nick Mangold's replacement. The Jets need a longer-term solution for filling Mangold's former spot. And Price looks like a good one, coming out of Mangold's alma mater. Not a super strong center free agent class this year, so the draft it is for this position with the Jets.

Who are the other 5 players?

Found them:
DE DEMARCUS LAWRENCE, COWBOYS

Edge rusher has been a weak area in the Jets' defense for a few years, despite them drafting Lorenzo Mauldin in 2015 and Jordan Jenkins in 2016. Neither guy has proven to be a consistently impactful pass rusher. Lawrence would not be a cheap signing for the Jets. He is entering Year 5 and coming off a monster contract year — a Pro Bowl appearance, plus 14.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. He tied for second in the NFL in sacks this season. He looks like he'd be worth the money for the Jets, though.

CB TRUMAINE JOHNSON, RAMS

Presuming the Jets cut Buster Skrine and re-sign Morris Claiborne — their most likely moves — they'd have to find a cornerback to pair with Claiborne. And tossing a rookie cornerback out there is a risky move. Johnson likely will be the best (and most sought-after) cornerback available in free agency this year. Just like a premium edge rusher, he won't come cheap. Can the Jets afford to sign Lawrence and Johnson? In his six NFL seasons, Johnson has 18 interceptions and 67 pass breakups.

WR ALLEN ROBINSON, JAGUARS

The Jets don't have a No. 1 receiver. Putting Robinson in the mix with Quincy Enunwa, Robby Anderson, and Jermaine Kearse would make for a pretty strong group. Through four seasons, Robinson has 2,848 yards and 22 touchdowns. His best season remains 2015 — 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns. Robinson tore his ACL in Week 1 in 2017. We'll see how much that impacts his free agency value.

RB SAQUON BARKLEY, PENN STATE

The big question for the Jets with their first-round draft pick: Quarterback or no quarterback? Well, if the Jets sign a quarterback in free agency (which won't be cheap to do), then they'll use their first-round pick on another position. The Jets aren't going to sign Hyde and draft Barkley. But depending on what they do (or don't do) at quarterback in free agency, Barkley could make sense for the Jets in Round 1. (Maybe the Jets sign a quarterback and draft Barkley, instead of signing a running back like Hyde.) Yes, teams typically don't draft running backs sixth overall. But Barkley is worth it. He had 1,271 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2017. Again, the Jets aren't going to make all of the moves on this list, but some would really help.

QB KIRK COUSINS, WASHINGTON

Here's the big one. If the Jets want to make a strong push for the playoffs in 2018 and 2019, their best bet would be signing a big-ticket quarterback (and Cousins is the biggest name out there), rather than drafting a quarterback. It's very tough for a rookie quarterback to lead a team to the playoffs. There is a learning curve, no matter how talented the player is. In terms of free agent quarterbacks available this year, Cousins is the most proven winner. Nobody would blame the Jets for dropping big bucks on him. And it would take big bucks

Id add Ziggy Ansah to this list.

Lawrence would be great but I don't see Dallas letting him go.

Barkley would be great but I don't know if he falls to 6.
????? Already mentioned Price but would have to trade back into round 1 for him if we take Barkley.

Would love to land Johnson too.

 

[AFA2017]

Who are the other 5 players?

Found them:
DE DEMARCUS LAWRENCE, COWBOYS

Edge rusher has been a weak area in the Jets' defense for a few years, despite them drafting Lorenzo Mauldin in 2015 and Jordan Jenkins in 2016. Neither guy has proven to be a consistently impactful pass rusher. Lawrence would not be a cheap signing for the Jets. He is entering Year 5 and coming off a monster contract year — a Pro Bowl appearance, plus 14.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. He tied for second in the NFL in sacks this season. He looks like he'd be worth the money for the Jets, though.

CB TRUMAINE JOHNSON, RAMS

Presuming the Jets cut Buster Skrine and re-sign Morris Claiborne — their most likely moves — they'd have to find a cornerback to pair with Claiborne. And tossing a rookie cornerback out there is a risky move. Johnson likely will be the best (and most sought-after) cornerback available in free agency this year. Just like a premium edge rusher, he won't come cheap. Can the Jets afford to sign Lawrence and Johnson? In his six NFL seasons, Johnson has 18 interceptions and 67 pass breakups.

WR ALLEN ROBINSON, JAGUARS

The Jets don't have a No. 1 receiver. Putting Robinson in the mix with Quincy Enunwa, Robby Anderson, and Jermaine Kearse would make for a pretty strong group. Through four seasons, Robinson has 2,848 yards and 22 touchdowns. His best season remains 2015 — 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns. Robinson tore his ACL in Week 1 in 2017. We'll see how much that impacts his free agency value.

RB SAQUON BARKLEY, PENN STATE

The big question for the Jets with their first-round draft pick: Quarterback or no quarterback? Well, if the Jets sign a quarterback in free agency (which won't be cheap to do), then they'll use their first-round pick on another position. The Jets aren't going to sign Hyde and draft Barkley. But depending on what they do (or don't do) at quarterback in free agency, Barkley could make sense for the Jets in Round 1. (Maybe the Jets sign a quarterback and draft Barkley, instead of signing a running back like Hyde.) Yes, teams typically don't draft running backs sixth overall. But Barkley is worth it. He had 1,271 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2017. Again, the Jets aren't going to make all of the moves on this list, but some would really help.

QB KIRK COUSINS, WASHINGTON

Here's the big one. If the Jets want to make a strong push for the playoffs in 2018 and 2019, their best bet would be signing a big-ticket quarterback (and Cousins is the biggest name out there), rather than drafting a quarterback. It's very tough for a rookie quarterback to lead a team to the playoffs. There is a learning curve, no matter how talented the player is. In terms of free agent quarterbacks available this year, Cousins is the most proven winner. Nobody would blame the Jets for dropping big bucks on him. And it would take big bucks

Id add Ziggy Ansah to this list.

Lawrence would be great but I don't see Dallas letting him go.

Barkley would be great but I don't know if he falls to 6.
????? Already mentioned Price but would have to trade back into round 1 for him if we take Barkley.

Would love to land Johnson too.

I'd prefer CB Gaines and sure up the OL with C Jensen and OG from the Panthers (Can't remember his name). I love Lawrence, but like you I don't see Dallas letting him go.