A few thoughts:
I don't think the team views their needs this way. Obviously there are some big holes to fill, and a lot of uncertainty in a lot of places. But specifically, I think the team has some promising talent in Juston Burris at CB and Brandon Shell at RT. Also, I don't think they're giving up on players like Calvin Pryor, Austin Sefarian Jenkins, Steve McClendon, Matt Forte, or Lachlan Edwards. I expect all to return.
The Jets are still a ways away at building this team into a contender, but I don't think it's a complete mess. There's talent on this team. I think Darron Lee, Lorenzo Mauldin, and Deon Simon can be big for us next year.
Never said there wasn't potential on the this team but some roster moves need to be made to sew up the deficiencies throughout certain positions on the roster...
Never said anything bad about Burris or Shell but there are no guarantees they will become anything then more than situational role players... I believe Shell if he has a good off season could compete for the starting role at right tackle, while Justin Burris may have the length but his vertical speed is lacking to compete against vertical receivers... Burris would be an optimal nickel corner to shut down tight ends and running backs... Burris may struggle with slot receivers because of their quickness but in those cases help from the linebacker position or safety can help him out...
Looking at some of the needs and explaining in no order:
Two tackles are in need never said two starters, we need one starting left tackle and a swing tackle to develop... We could bring in a short term option via free agency... Ijalana had some good moments but long term he is not really an option... Brent Qvale also had some good moments but he showed to be better as an interior lineman than a tackle... Like Ijalana, and Shell; Brent Qvale at best is just a right tackle...
Quarterback also a need, rather we sign a free agent or two, draft one or two we are in need... Bryce Petty could start the year on the PUP list, leaving us with Hackenberg right now as the only option on the roster next season (under contract)...
Cornerback, we have some young talent but can anyone say without batting an eye that we have one or two starters currently... Revis is done as a corner or should be... Marcus Williams a RFA no guarantees he returns (depends on what tender they put on him), even so he has some flashes but otherwise has been average at best... Darryl Roberts, Dexter McDougle also shown some progress but overall they are lacking the skill set to take the job... Drafting, trading or signing a free agent or two should be in the cards...
Like I said McClendon didn't do anything special, except hit the sidelines with injuries... Yes Simon showed potential but there is clear depth needed here unless Leonard Williams becomes the new nose tackle meaning we are keeping both Wilkerson and Richardson on the roster together moving forward... There is a clear liking for injured reserve defensive end Lawrence Thomas, if they do indeed trade Sheldon...
The linebacker situation is a mystery, David Harris is aging out while injuries are keeping key players on the sideline (Mauldin)... The potential is here but the consistency and the production is missing...
Misusing the safeties is another concern, Pryor is an in the box safety he does have some range but his game is setting the edge against run while shooting the gaps on the blitz... Gilchrist is the true strong safety pretending to be a single high coverage safety... Both players are being misused... We all know we need a coverage safety to help against the deep ball but we yet to fill that need... At the same time we could use a nickel safety that plays center field allowing the coverage safety to double cover or zone the number one receiver...
Austin Seferian Jenkins is one drink away from being suspended for the year... Oh sorry one more drink and drive ticket... He is likely to be suspended for some time next year, so who is going to step in for him while he is gone? Um do we have anyone, anyone that showed more than 5 catches throughout the season... Bowman, Kellen Davis, Bostick no guarantees any of them will be here, nor should they deserve that right...
Running back from day one before Forte signed, I said Powell should be the lead back... Then everyone was hyped that Forte the walking wounded showed up and started off slow, then got his chances and the consistency was M.I.A. ... Our current depth is a guy that broke his damn leg three times in one year and two rookies that may have potential but will they make the roster next year and don't forget Romar Morris, whom looked like speedy Gonzalez until his injury... So yes, we are in need at this position and rightfully so the Jets at the Senior Bowl chatting it up with a couple running backs...
As for Lachlan Edwards, could there be competition this off season with Australian counter-part Tom Hackett (NCAA best punter), who went un-drafted because he was too short?
