Heading into the 2022 season, the Jets have made a series of moves to improve the state of their roster and overall depth, but are they ready to compete for a playoff spot?

In this series, we’ll break down the depth chart for every Jets position group. This time, we’ll go in-depth on the special teamers…

Projected Depth Chart

Starters: Greg Zuerlein (Kicker), Braden Mann (Punter), Braxton Berrios (Return Specialist), Thomas Hennessy (Long Snapper)

Backups: Kicker Eddy Pineiro, Returners Tevin Coleman, Zonovan Knight, Ashtyn Davis, Garrett Wilson.

Key additions/losses: Signed Zuerlein, re-signed Pineiro.

Top Performer in 2021: Berrios – 30.4 yards per kickoff return with one touchdown, 13.4 yards per punt return.

2021 ranking via PFF: Mann – 21st.

What Jets’ special teamers have going for them

The key to the Jets’ special teams is arguably coordinator Brant Boyer, who has been with the team since 2016 -- longer than any player on the roster. While there have been some ups and downs during that time, the unit was among the league’s best last season as they excelled in the return game as well as kick and punt coverage.

Berrios, who had already proven himself to be a reliable punt returner, also took over kickoff return duties and got to grips with the role over the course of the season. He ended up being named as an all-pro after leading the league in kick return average with players like Nick Bawden and Justin Hardee making key contributions as blockers. The Jets have already confirmed that Berrios will reprise this role in 2022.

Hardee was a key addition as a special teams captain and the team’s primary gunner in punt coverage. He ended up the season tied with reserve linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips for the team lead in special teams tackles.

In the kicking game, Mann capitalized on the improved punt coverage to post better numbers than he did in his rookie season and was much improved in terms of his directional punting. Pineiro, a midseason addition at placekicker, provided stability at the position, making all eight of his field goal attempts, although he did miss an extra point.

Popular in the Community