theJetsblog -- With issues still to address at quarterback, offensive line, linebacker and elsewhere, the Jets are not done in free agency. But the simple fact is that for all intents other than finding some middle ground in the Ryan Fitzpatrick saga, this team's free agency is pretty much done.
Other than a few more signings and some early-round picks from the 2016 NFL Draft, the Jets can't count on undrafted free agents or maybe even some June free agent additions to provide much more than the roster already has.
As we prepare for the draft, let's go spot-by-spot on the Jets' depth chart as it now stands to look at the strengths and weaknesses of the current roster.
First up: Quarterback, Fullback, and Running Back...
QUARTERBACK
1) Geno Smith
2) Bryce Petty
Positional status: Starter still required
Recommended acquisition method: Free agency
Analysis: I don't think I need to express how this is an incomplete roster at the position. No, Ryan Fitzpatrick isn't going to bring 1,000 years of peace and prosperity for Jets fans, but I can guarantee Geno Smith won't either.
Two coaching staffs have soured on Smith's ability to be a long-term option for the Jets. Bryce Petty might represent an option down the road, but he needs another year of study before he can realistically enter a camp competition.
Our buddy Jason McIntyre at TheBigLead thinks the answer is Colin Kaepernick, which I could not disagree with more, just based on his ever-regressing play in the NFL. Meanwhile, the Jets brought Robert Griffin III in for a visit a week ago -- and he's another hothouse flower who would wilt in front of the New York media. Could Chan Gailey make use of either? It's possible, but neither is my first choice. If Griffin comes to New York, the media circus could rival 2011's Big Top Tebow.
RUNNING BACK
1) Matt Forte
2) Bilal Powell
3) Khiry Robinson
4) Zac Stacy
5) Dri Archer
6) Dominique Williams
Positional status: Set for 2016 season
Recommended acquisition method: Draft
Analysis: This is as good a group as the Jets have had at tailback in a long while, and I don't know that the team will use a draft pick unless the best player available's value is screaming in their face. Offensive Coordinator Chan Gailey prizes reliable and versatile running backs who can play on every snap regardless of play call or situation.
Matt Forte is near the end of his career but provides the skillset Gailey craves. While running the ball inside has never been Forte's strength, he is most valuable in the passing game, adding an incredible third target to pair with Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker.
Behind Forte, Powell could make it work in a replacement role. Robinson has a hard-nosed style like Chris Ivory and could be used as the team's goal-line hammer assuming the team doesn't draft anyone. Stacy and Williams will have to make a strong case to stick with the roster because Dri Archer might be the team's top kick returner as it currently stands. While he only had 19 returns in 2015 for the Steelers, Archer averaged 25.3 YPR, which would have put him inside the qualified top ten.
FULLBACK
1) Tommy Bohanan
2) Julian Howsare (FB/LB)
Positional status: Very upgradable
Recommended acquisition method: Draft
Analysis: I don't know that the Jets are all that jazzed about their fullback position, but I'm not sure they would burn draft capital to address it in an ever-devaluing position.
Other than a few more signings and some early-round picks from the 2016 NFL Draft, the Jets can't count on undrafted free agents or maybe even some June free agent additions to provide much more than the roster already has.
As we prepare for the draft, let's go spot-by-spot on the Jets' depth chart as it now stands to look at the strengths and weaknesses of the current roster.
First up: Quarterback, Fullback, and Running Back...
QUARTERBACK
1) Geno Smith
2) Bryce Petty
Positional status: Starter still required
Recommended acquisition method: Free agency
Analysis: I don't think I need to express how this is an incomplete roster at the position. No, Ryan Fitzpatrick isn't going to bring 1,000 years of peace and prosperity for Jets fans, but I can guarantee Geno Smith won't either.
Two coaching staffs have soured on Smith's ability to be a long-term option for the Jets. Bryce Petty might represent an option down the road, but he needs another year of study before he can realistically enter a camp competition.
Our buddy Jason McIntyre at TheBigLead thinks the answer is Colin Kaepernick, which I could not disagree with more, just based on his ever-regressing play in the NFL. Meanwhile, the Jets brought Robert Griffin III in for a visit a week ago -- and he's another hothouse flower who would wilt in front of the New York media. Could Chan Gailey make use of either? It's possible, but neither is my first choice. If Griffin comes to New York, the media circus could rival 2011's Big Top Tebow.
RUNNING BACK
1) Matt Forte
2) Bilal Powell
3) Khiry Robinson
4) Zac Stacy
5) Dri Archer
6) Dominique Williams
Positional status: Set for 2016 season
Recommended acquisition method: Draft
Analysis: This is as good a group as the Jets have had at tailback in a long while, and I don't know that the team will use a draft pick unless the best player available's value is screaming in their face. Offensive Coordinator Chan Gailey prizes reliable and versatile running backs who can play on every snap regardless of play call or situation.
Matt Forte is near the end of his career but provides the skillset Gailey craves. While running the ball inside has never been Forte's strength, he is most valuable in the passing game, adding an incredible third target to pair with Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker.
Behind Forte, Powell could make it work in a replacement role. Robinson has a hard-nosed style like Chris Ivory and could be used as the team's goal-line hammer assuming the team doesn't draft anyone. Stacy and Williams will have to make a strong case to stick with the roster because Dri Archer might be the team's top kick returner as it currently stands. While he only had 19 returns in 2015 for the Steelers, Archer averaged 25.3 YPR, which would have put him inside the qualified top ten.
FULLBACK
1) Tommy Bohanan
2) Julian Howsare (FB/LB)
Positional status: Very upgradable
Recommended acquisition method: Draft
Analysis: I don't know that the Jets are all that jazzed about their fullback position, but I'm not sure they would burn draft capital to address it in an ever-devaluing position.