New York Jets Roster 2018 Jets Roster

Is Darnold Ready for the NFL Now?

Competiting within the AFC East is never an easy feat, and this was showcased by the 2017-18 Jets. A 5-11 record assisted the team to a cellar finish, marking numerous occasions, within recent history, that the team has finished in last place. Adapting and overcoming a losing record is something that is often handled in the off-season. The team got to work early this off-season and their start came at the NFL draft.

The team traded up to the 3rd overall pick, sacrificing future draft picks and players to obtain Sam Darnold. Darnold was the golden boy of the quarterback crop, possessing attributes that would mark him as the most pro-ready talent. His pocket presence is second to none within potential prospects, making the selection a little easier for a team that has struggled to find a consistent leader at the position. He will battle with Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater for a starting role. If he can curb his development at a quick pace, there is no reason he shouldn't find himself slotted within the starting role early in 2018. The quarterback carousal is the biggest issue that needs some ironing. The team possesses three talents who have been featured within starting roles in the past. McCown has been a journeyman and has produced under spot-start scenarios. Given a full off-season of workload, it is hard to imagine he wouldn't be your starter on day one. Bridgewater is a good talent, but his health has been the setback to his breakthrough within the league. A full off-season of rest bodes well for the prospects of giving the team different sets to work from. Add Darnold to the picture and you have a log-jam of talent. This is not necessarily a bad thing for a team that has lacked consistency at this position, but it will need some sorting out heading into this year.

The team wasn't done with additions once the quarterback depth was filled, adding running back competition to the mix. The team will trot out Isiah Crowell and Thomas Rawls into a backfield currently headlined by Bilal Powell. All three players possess similar skill sets, allowing the team to spread their looks and size advantages. While Rawls will use his big frame to fill the down-and-distance role, Powell and Crowell can be inserted into multiple looks. The team possesses enough options to fluctuate the handling of usage at the running back position.

The team also added Terrelle Pryor to a depleted receiving corps. Jermaine Kearse was the lone bright spot in the receiving group last season. Robby Anderson continues to define his role with the team, but he needs to work on the little things to perfect his craft. The team will also get a boost from Quincy Enunwa, who spent the entire last season sidelined with injury.

The defense got a huge boost at the cornerback position with the additions of Morris Claiborne and Trumaine Johnson. Claiborne was a high draft pick coming out of college, but his talent base never panned out in Dallas. Adding him as a flier, the team was able to relieve the load off his shoulders with the Johnson signing. Johnson comes from a stout Rams team that was featured highly on most defensive ratings the past few seasons. This tandem will keep the downfield threat manageable, offering opportunities for the guys up front to get their work in.