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.
Read Part 1 of the Offense Edition HERE
Read Part 2 of the Offense Edition HERE
Next up: Offensive Line...
OFFENSIVE TACKLE
1)D'Brickashaw Ferguson (LT)
2)Breno Giacomini (RT)
3)Brent Qvale (T)
4)Wesley Johnson (T/G/C)
5)Jesse Davis (T)
6)Sean Hickey (T)
Positional status: Starter(s) still needed
Recommended acquisition method: Draft
Analysis: The Jets have a contract staring contest with D'Brickashaw Ferguson and their right tackle is making money above the replacement level play he's provided the team. But at this point there's no reason to cut them. Simply put, the Jets don't have many other choices now other than using draft picks before they'd get the chance to spend again next year in free agency to make upgrades.
The Jets let Kelvin Beachum slip through their fingers and the tackle market has mostly dried up through free agency. Brick has been super dependable and never missed a game, which is very valuable despite the decline in play. Depending on who the Jets draft, they could let that draftee and Brent Qvale duke it out for the starter spot with Breno Giacomini. Wesley Johnson was an interesting and very athletic draft pick that the Steelers made in 2014 and with a little more time and grooming he could become a steady backup at tackle, or even be used on the interior should they draft someone at tackle. Johnson subbed at center for one game when Nick Mangold was injured and held his own.
OFFENSIVE INTERIOR
1)Nick Mangold (C)
2)James Carpenter (LG)
3)Brian Winters (RG)
4)Jarvis Harrison (G)
5)Dakota Dozier (G)
6)Lawrence Okoye (G)
Positional status: Starter(s) still needed
Recommended acquisition method: Draft, free agency
Analysis: Nick Mangold is the stalwart here and James Carpenter was solid in his first year with the team. But for all the warm bodies this team has gathered over the last three years, there is a real lack of clear delineation between who this group is developing for larger roles.
The Jets still need a clear backup to Mangold and have for years. Can Dozier take on that role? If I had to guess, Jarvis Harrison will continue to be groomed. He was picked by the Maccagnan regime and has the athleticism that could translate into above average guard play, assuming he can demonstrate the motor it takes to play. Still, if the Jets were to use two of their first three picks in the 2016 NFL Draft on a tackle and guard I would be very satisfied.
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.
Read Part 1 of the Offense Edition HERE
Read Part 2 of the Offense Edition HERE
Next up: Offensive Line...
OFFENSIVE TACKLE
1)D'Brickashaw Ferguson (LT)
2)Breno Giacomini (RT)
3)Brent Qvale (T)
4)Wesley Johnson (T/G/C)
5)Jesse Davis (T)
6)Sean Hickey (T)
Positional status: Starter(s) still needed
Recommended acquisition method: Draft
Analysis: The Jets have a contract staring contest with D'Brickashaw Ferguson and their right tackle is making money above the replacement level play he's provided the team. But at this point there's no reason to cut them. Simply put, the Jets don't have many other choices now other than using draft picks before they'd get the chance to spend again next year in free agency to make upgrades.
The Jets let Kelvin Beachum slip through their fingers and the tackle market has mostly dried up through free agency. Brick has been super dependable and never missed a game, which is very valuable despite the decline in play. Depending on who the Jets draft, they could let that draftee and Brent Qvale duke it out for the starter spot with Breno Giacomini. Wesley Johnson was an interesting and very athletic draft pick that the Steelers made in 2014 and with a little more time and grooming he could become a steady backup at tackle, or even be used on the interior should they draft someone at tackle. Johnson subbed at center for one game when Nick Mangold was injured and held his own.
OFFENSIVE INTERIOR
1)Nick Mangold (C)
2)James Carpenter (LG)
3)Brian Winters (RG)
4)Jarvis Harrison (G)
5)Dakota Dozier (G)
6)Lawrence Okoye (G)
Positional status: Starter(s) still needed
Recommended acquisition method: Draft, free agency
Analysis: Nick Mangold is the stalwart here and James Carpenter was solid in his first year with the team. But for all the warm bodies this team has gathered over the last three years, there is a real lack of clear delineation between who this group is developing for larger roles.
The Jets still need a clear backup to Mangold and have for years. Can Dozier take on that role? If I had to guess, Jarvis Harrison will continue to be groomed. He was picked by the Maccagnan regime and has the athleticism that could translate into above average guard play, assuming he can demonstrate the motor it takes to play. Still, if the Jets were to use two of their first three picks in the 2016 NFL Draft on a tackle and guard I would be very satisfied.
