The Jets could still use an edge rusher, and many assume they’ll look to the draft for pass-rush help. However, ESPN’s Rich Cimini writes that the team flirted with the idea of adding veteran defensive end Chandler Jones.
Jets fans are plenty familiar with Jones thanks to his time with the Patriots, but it’s been a while since he was in the AFC East. The defensive end compiled a whopping 60 sacks through his first four seasons in Arizona, and after being limited to only one sack in five games in 2020, he returned with a 10.5-sack campaign in 2021. So, naturally, he was a popular name in free agency, and while the Jets considered a pursuit, the veteran defender ended up landing in Las Vegas on a three-year, $51MM deal.
At the moment, the Jets have Carl Lawson and John Franklin-Myers slotted in at defensive end. While they’re a fine duo, Cimini notes that Lawson is coming off a major injury and Franklin-Myers may be better suited for defensive tackle.
Ultimately, Cimini opines that the Jets will take a pass rusher with either the No. 4 or No. 10 pick, suggesting Travon Walker, Jermaine Johnson II, and Kayvon Thibodeaux could all be options.
More notes out of New Jersey…
- As Cimini writes, the Jets are one of only four teams without a former 1,000-yard receiver (or tight end) on their roster, but the only significant move they’ve made at the position is re-signing receiver Braxton Berrios. The writer believes that the front office will ultimately add a “midlevel free agent” wideout while considering using one of their first-round picks on the draft’s top receiver, perhaps USC’s Drake London or Ohio State’s Garrett Wilson. Cimini also notes that the team was monitoring the Robert Woods situation, but the front office ultimately thought his age was a “turnoff.”
- The Texans acquired linebacker Blake Cashman from the Jets last week, and we’re now learning what the Gang Green got in return. According to Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com (on Twitter), the Jets acquired a 2023 sixth-round pick. The sixth-rounder originally belonged to the 49ers.
- Jets offensive line coach John Benton was arrested and charged with DUI last Thursday in New Jersey, according to Cimini (on Twitter). A New York Jets spokesperson said “We are aware of the situation and have no further comment” (via NFL.com).
It’s understandable that the Jets need another edge rusher on D, but I think it wouldn’t hurt to load up with a WR and T with the first two picks, or even two OL’men with the top 2-3 picks in their draft and protect their golden child and see what they actually have on offense. Young and cheap – let them grow together.
Maybe one more O-lineman and definitely a wide receiver would be good among those first four picks, but at some point they have to actually invest in that defense. Reed and Whitehead are nice adds, and hopefully Lawson comes back 100%, but that defense was absolutely brutal and it simply needs some higher end investment in talent.
Pass rusher at 4- Thibodeaux, Walker, Johnson
Tackle at 10 – Cross, Ekwonu, possibly Penning. Or go CB if Gardner or Stingley are there.
With their 2nd round picks they could add Trey McBride at TE and a receiver like George Pickens or Alec Pierce.
I wouldn’t touch Johnson in the top ten personally, certainly not at four. I’d rather go Gardner at four than Johnson. I’m open to tackle, but most hopeful about them landing either Hamilton or a top CB and a top WR.
I think McBride is a reach in the top 40. I think they splurged on two solid TEs so that they wouldn’t reach for need.
Jets need to trade down at least one of the 1st round picks. Lots of value late first early second in this draft class and it’s definitely not too heavy.
not agreeing with you. JD did a solid job adding good starters but they need to add some Stars You get those at 4 and 10.
Jets also pick at 35 and 38. Perfect spots to select for value.
We’ve already invested in the o-line with draft picks and FA… we need to support our defense with these 1st rounders, im so tired of receivers being wide open and quarterbacks having all day to throw.. if we can trade back into the late first with our other picks for a wr im good with that or stay put and let the chips fall where they do
100% 1 wr and a de . They are running back 4 cbs that showed something plus added fa , te they signed two, resigned rb depth , added a starting safety, both tackle and guard are full Maybe center in 2 rd and cut McGovern saving 10m . So leaves a spot on the d line another mlb wr and then depth all arnd. Can argue for another starting safety as well .