Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive

The new-look Jets reported for work for the first time under new head coach Adam Gase on Monday, for the start of their offseason workout program. Some roster shuffling and a free-agent spending spree has made them look a lot different than when last season ended.

But the transformation is not complete.

Despite all their free-agent additions over the last 13 months, there are still holes to fill in the Jets' lineup. And with free agency basically over, their last chance to do it is really the upcoming draft. So here's a look at what's left on the Jets' "to-do list", and some of the players they could add at the NFL Draft, which is now about two weeks away...

Edge rusher

This is, by far, the Jets' biggest need after they swung and missed on Anthony Barr in free agency. The most likely solution is to draft Kentucky's Josh Allen with the third overall pick. If he's gone (and Ohio State's Nick Bosa is gone too), they'd likely turn their attention to another position.

What if they trade down? Depending on how far they drop there are a few interesting names to watch -- most notably Mississippi State's Montez Sweat, Florida State's Brian Burns, and Clemson's Clelin Ferrell. Maybe even Michigan's Rashan Gary, though some think he's better suited inside.

In later rounds, keep an eye on Texas Christian's Ben Banogu and Clemson's Austin Bryant.

Center

They made a half-hearted play for Matt Paradis on the free-agent market, then acted as if they're comfortable going again with Jonotthan Harrison. Maybe they are, but clearly they need some depth at this position and a player to groom for the future. And no, they won't find help in the first round, even if they trade down.

It would help their search if they could acquire a second-round pick. If not, they could hope that Texas A&M's Erik McCoy lasts until the third, but that seems unlikely. Ohio State's Michael Jordan and Penn State's Connor McGovern could both be there, and both could play guard too, if necessary.

Cornerback

The tenure of Trumaine Johnson got off to a rocky start, and unless they're convinced Darryl Roberts is the long-term answer, they need help here. But Day 3 is where they'll have to find it, among players like Houston's Isaiah Johnson, Ohio State's Kendall Sheffield, or maybe Auburn's Jamel Deal.

One very intriguing prospect is Michigan State's Justin Layne, but they might have to spend a third-round pick on him -- if he even gets that far.

Tight end

GM Mike Maccagnan loves the tight ends in this draft, and he needs a strong blocker to play next to Chris Herndon. Clearly this position won't be addressed in the first three rounds, though, because it's not that big of a need. They can wait for the later rounds and take a big blocker like LSU's Foster Moreau, or perhaps Miossouri's Kendall Blanton or Michigan's Zach Gentry. They could easily wait to find what they're looking for until the last round of this draft.

Defensive tackle

They brought back veteran Steve McLendon for another year, but they still need a young player groom behind him (and a better prospect than last year's third-round pick, Nathan Sheperd). If Oklahoma QB Kyler Murray doesn't go in the Top 3 then it's possible Alabama's Quinnen Williams will be the Jets' choice at 3. They could also drop a bit and land Houston's Ed Oliver.

The position isn't that much of a priority, though, so a later-round addition might make more sense. Players like Florida State's Demarcus Christmas, or Texas A&M's Daylon Mack could be in play on Day 3.

Popular in the Community