2021 NFL Draft: New York Jets top positional needs

Cornerback

The New York Jets secondary was expected to take a hit after the trade of All-Pro safety Jamal Adams, but they’ve been worse than expected.

Gang Green will need to upgrade both outside cornerback spots as Desir and second-year man Bless Austin have struggled significantly. Austin missed a game due to injury, but when he returned, undrafted rookie Lamar Jackson started in his place.

As for Desir, it looks to be a one and done for him in Florham Park. The opposing receivers are getting so much separation it’s like he’s social distancing from them. The New York Jets front office and scouting department should be all over searching for upgrades in free agency as well as the 2021 NFL Draft.

Fortunately for New York, the draft looks to be rich with cornerbacks in the back half of round one. Jaycee Horn out of South Carolina has been playing extremely well and is on track to becoming a first-round draft pick. He stands out as a strong fit for the team.

Edge Rusher

When was the last time the New York Jets had a feared rusher off the edge or any type of presence that would make opposing coordinators lose sleep game planning? Maybe Shaun Ellis, who left the Jets after the 2010 season.

Right now the edge rushers for the Jets are Jordan Jenkins and a bunch of guys you probably never heard of. Tarell Basham and Bryce Huff are actually producing solid reps, but nobody is game planning to try and stop them.

The New York Jets cannot ignore this position any longer. They must address this early on in the 2021 NFL Draft. There will be guys they can grab at the back end of the first and early in the second round.