2020 NFL Draft: 5 prospects New York Jets could target with No. 11 pick
The New York Jets are officially locked into the 11th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, which means we can finally speculate at who Gang Green could target.
Depending on who you talk to, the New York Jets either had a disappointing season or they had an impressive season. Considering the slew of injuries to hit the Jets, they managed to win six of their last eight games to end the season. Outsiders may say that’s a positive sign heading into next season, but Jets fans would say otherwise.
Adam Gase has been suspect at best in his first year at the helm and Sam Darnold hasn’t looked like he’s improved much if at all. A big reason for the disappointment on offense has been the makeshift of an offensive line.
There’s been a revolving door of offensive lineman this year for Gang Green with only Kelvin Beachum finishing the year as an original starter. The Jets possibly need to upgrade at least two positions on the line. Beachum and guard Alex Lewis are pending free agents that the Jets may look to bring back, but there still needs to be legitimate improvement across the line.
The supporting cast around Darnold has been lackluster. The previous GM brought in Le’Veon Bell this past offseason to be a security blanket for the young signal-caller, but the Jets “offensive innovator” refused to use him to his strengths. That’s a big problem going forward.
From day one there have been questions whether or not Gase ever wanted the All-Pro back and the answer seems pretty clear now. Bell’s contract would be hard to eat but there’s a real possibility he could be traded in the offseason which would add another hole to fill.
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The only proven receiver that’s guaranteed to be on the roster next season is Jamison Crowder, so you can say this will be a focal point for the offseason. Robby Anderson is headed for unrestricted free agency and could command upwards of $10 million a year. Anderson has been real solid for the Jets, but he’s not a number one receiver which means GM Joe Douglas could let him walk.
Vyncint Smith was picked up by the Jets midseason and has shown some flashes that he can play as a complementary receiver. Beyond those guys, there’s nothing to be excited about.
On the other side of the ball, Jets defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has done an amazing job with a group of backups and no names. The Jets defense was hit with a string of injuries that started when Avery Williamson tore his ACL in the preseason.
The injury bug continued on the defensive side after losing star free agent linebacker C.J Mosley to a groin injury and backup linebacker Blake Cashman to a season-ending shoulder injury. The Jets were forced to play James Burgess off the practice squad and backup Neville Hewitt as starting inside backers.
The Jets cornerbacks consisted of undrafted rookies and guys that were signed off the street. The group of misfits in the secondary ranked middle of the pack against the pass which is good considering who was playing back there.
With all that being said it is now time to take a look at who the New York Jets could target in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.