1. G Joe Thuney, New England Patriots
Douglas knows he still has work to do in rebuilding the Jets’ offensive line, and he needs to add more talent around rookie star Mekhi Becton at left tackle. Alex Lewis’ future with the Jets is up in the air after the left guard went on the non-football injury list in the second half of 2020, and Greg Van Roten, who’s currently on IR, has been underwhelming at right guard since signing as a free agent last offseason.
2. WR Allen Robinson, Chicago Bears
One of Douglas’ biggest regrets of the past offseason was not giving quarterback Sam Darnold enough weapons entering the 2020 season. He’s not going to make that mistake again for Darnold or any quarterback the Jets select at the top of the 2021 NFL Draft.
The wide receiver free agent class is deep, but Robinson might be the most talented player available. Despite suspect quarterback play throughout his career, he’s been productive with both the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears. He recorded his third-career 1,000-yard season in 2020, despite catching passes from Nick Foles and Mitch Trubisky.
3. Edge Matthew Judon, Baltimore Ravens
The Jets still rank in the bottom 10 of the NFL with 21 sacks this season, and Judon would be an immediate help in rectifying that. He has 32.5 sacks during his five NFL seasons, and given Baltimore’s depth at the position and tight cap situation, he’ll likely be on the move during the offseason. Adding him will give the Jets another needed playmaker on the defensive side of the ball.
4. Tight End Hunter Henry, Los Angeles Chargers
Hunter Henry ranks sixth among tight ends this season with 45.6 receiving yards per game, grabbing 48-of-76 targets for 502 yards and three touchdowns. He is blocking well, too, ranking 13th out of 80 qualified tight ends with a 70.2 run blocking grade at PFF (85th percentile).
Over 52 career games, Henry has caught for 2,211 yards and 20 touchdowns, averages of about 680 yards and six touchdowns per 16 games.
5. Tight End Jonnu Smith, Tennessee Titans
Jonnu Smith leads tight ends in total touchdowns this season, tying for the positional lead with seven receiving touchdowns but tossing in a rushing score as well. Few tight ends are as agile with the ball in their hands as Smith, who ranks third at the position with 6.3 yards after catch per reception in 2020 and ranked second with an average of 8.1 in 2019.
Douglas knows he still has work to do in rebuilding the Jets’ offensive line, and he needs to add more talent around rookie star Mekhi Becton at left tackle. Alex Lewis’ future with the Jets is up in the air after the left guard went on the non-football injury list in the second half of 2020, and Greg Van Roten, who’s currently on IR, has been underwhelming at right guard since signing as a free agent last offseason.
2. WR Allen Robinson, Chicago Bears
One of Douglas’ biggest regrets of the past offseason was not giving quarterback Sam Darnold enough weapons entering the 2020 season. He’s not going to make that mistake again for Darnold or any quarterback the Jets select at the top of the 2021 NFL Draft.
The wide receiver free agent class is deep, but Robinson might be the most talented player available. Despite suspect quarterback play throughout his career, he’s been productive with both the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears. He recorded his third-career 1,000-yard season in 2020, despite catching passes from Nick Foles and Mitch Trubisky.
3. Edge Matthew Judon, Baltimore Ravens
The Jets still rank in the bottom 10 of the NFL with 21 sacks this season, and Judon would be an immediate help in rectifying that. He has 32.5 sacks during his five NFL seasons, and given Baltimore’s depth at the position and tight cap situation, he’ll likely be on the move during the offseason. Adding him will give the Jets another needed playmaker on the defensive side of the ball.
4. Tight End Hunter Henry, Los Angeles Chargers
Hunter Henry ranks sixth among tight ends this season with 45.6 receiving yards per game, grabbing 48-of-76 targets for 502 yards and three touchdowns. He is blocking well, too, ranking 13th out of 80 qualified tight ends with a 70.2 run blocking grade at PFF (85th percentile).
Over 52 career games, Henry has caught for 2,211 yards and 20 touchdowns, averages of about 680 yards and six touchdowns per 16 games.
5. Tight End Jonnu Smith, Tennessee Titans
Jonnu Smith leads tight ends in total touchdowns this season, tying for the positional lead with seven receiving touchdowns but tossing in a rushing score as well. Few tight ends are as agile with the ball in their hands as Smith, who ranks third at the position with 6.3 yards after catch per reception in 2020 and ranked second with an average of 8.1 in 2019.