New York Jets Depth Chart 2018 Jets Depth Chart

Jets Will Lean on Darnold

Coming off a second straight disappointing 5-11 season, the New York Jets are looking to start a new era after trading up to select USC quarterback Sam Darnold with the third pick in the 2018 draft. Along with a free agency class aimed at strengthening the defense, the Jets are hoping to build a foundation for Darnold to become the quarterback of the future. 2017 was a year that established that the Jets were in need of a significant overhaul. In finishing last in the AFC East, the Jets ranked in the bottom third in the NFL in both points scored and points allowed. Their defense, once a clear strength of the team, began to feel the loss and decline of veterans like Darelle Revis, Sheldon Richardson and Muhammed Wilkerson. Meanwhile, the quarterback position continued to be an area in need of an upgrade, as veteran journeyman Josh McCown was adequate but far from a difference maker. Going into the draft, the Jets identified the quarterback position as the most pressing need on the team and acted boldly to fill that need. In possession of an extra second round pick, the Jets dealt the number 6 pick along with three second rounders to move up to the third pick, where they drafted Sam Darnold. The Jets are betting big on Darnold to become a difference maker and solidify the quarterback position for the next decade. After the splashy Darnold pick, the Jets were balanced in addressing both offense and defense in the later rounds, drafting a DL in the third, and TE in the fourth, and a CB, DL and RB in the sixth round. Clearly, the legacy of the Jets’ 2018 draft will be Darnold. If he goes on to be a star, the draft will be remembered fondly. If not, it’s likely that this draft set the franchise back several years.

The Jets made defense a priority in free agency with their big signing of star CB Trumaine Johnson along with re-signing CB Morris Claiborne and ILB Avery Wiliamson. On the offensive side of the ball, the Jets took a flyer on former Viking quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who is trying to resurrect his career after a catastrophic injury. They also brought Josh McCown back for a veteran presence and as a possible mentor for Darnold. The burning question on offense is when Darnold will be ready to take the starter job, and what he’ll look like when that day comes. Veteran RB Matt Forte has retired, leaving the way clear for Bilal Powell and Isaiah Crowell to battle for carries in the running game. Meanwhile, the Jets hope that undrafted WR Robby Anderson takes another step forward after catching 70 passes for nearly 1,000 yards receiving last year. The Jets’ receiving core doesn’t look to be one of the best in the league, and it’s an area that the team may look to augment in the future to support Darnold. Head coach Todd Bowles was known for his defensive acumen coming into the Jets, and he’ll look to revitalize the defense with the help of those free agent signings. The secondary now looks to be a strong unit with the addition of Johnson, and the Jets will hope that DL Leonard Williamson regains his 2016 Pro-Bowl form after a down year in 2017. If Williamson can get back to his dominant ways and the secondary excels, the Jets could turn their defense into a top 10 unit in the league next year. In yesterday’s NFL, a rookie quarterback was given at least a year holding the clipboard before he was asked to lead the team. Those days seem to be gone now. The question isn’t when Sam Darnold plays in 2018, but how quickly. And as the quarterback position is the most important determiner of success in the NFL, the Jets’ fortunes will be tied to Darnold’s ability to adjust to the speed and complexity NFL defenses will throw at him. It’s a tall task, but we’ve certainly seen rookie quarterbacks light up the league. The Jets will be hoping Darnold is that type of player.