2014 New York Jets Offseason Preview

Notable Free Agents

Saftey - Ed Reed

Guard - Vladimir Ducasse

Reciever - Josh Cribbs

Tight End - Kellen Winslow

2014 Draft Picks

Round 1 Pick 18

Round 2 Pick 49

Round 3 Pick 69

Round 3 Pick 80

Round 4 Pick 111

Round 5 Pick 142

Round 6 Pick 179

Round 7 Pick 210

Draft Prospects: Mike Evans Receiver Round 1, Kelvin Benjamin Receiver Round 1, Eric Ebron Tight End Round 1, Ed Reynolds Safety Round 3, Craig Loston Safety Round 4, Dri Archer Running Back/Receiver Round 6, DeAnthony Thomas Running Back/Receiver Round 6 or 7, Charles Simms Running Back Round 3 or 4.

Biggest Offseason Needs

Reciever: Santonio Holmes is still a good player but he can’t be expected to get open when he’s the only target.  They also proved that it was a position that needed a serious overhaul last year when Holmes wasn’t able to stay healthy.  If they can pick up one of the big guys in the first round like Mike Evans or Kelvin Benjamin it would help a lot. 

Offensive Playmaker: Yes I realize that this isn’t a legit position but its something the Jets desperately need.  A player like Darren Sproles or Tavon Austin that can line up anywhere on the field and create home run plays.  With a young quarterback like Geno Smith it can really help a lot to have a guy that can take a short pass and turn it into a touchdown.  

Safety: If they can bring back Ed Reed back for the right price this is the perfect opportunity to bring some young guys in.  This is a position where you can get quality players in later rounds and with one of the greats on your rosters that will give them a head start in the game.  

One Player New York Should Target (In Free Agency)

Michael Vick is one of those veterans looking for one last go around and he can fill several needs for New York. It's clear that they don't really want to start Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith still doesn't seem quite ready. Vick can still be a starting quarterback in this league and he could also be a great mentor to Smith.  Vick knows more than most how bad decisions on and off the field can affect one's future. We saw him mature and become a great leader in Philadelphia the last few seasons. He was the guy that everyone wanted to rally around, he was the rock in that locker room. This is something the Jets need dearly.

One Player New York Must Retain

Ed Reed wants to play one more year and the Jets would be a perfect team for him.  Their a team that can win with the right pieces added.  He will also be a great mentor to the young defensive backs like Dee Milliner and the rookies their sure to add in this years draft.  It’s a lot like the Vick situation where he can help the team in so many ways, it would be dumb to not bring him back.  

Players In Need Of Extensions

Antonio Cromartie made it to the Pro Bowl this past year and did a great job taking over as the number one corner on the Jets defensive.  He’ll be a free agent next year and I think he’s definitely a player that will still  get some big money offers from teams that need a big veteran corner.  Better to lock him up now for a better price.

Jeremy Kerley has played well the last two years and has shown that he may one day turn into a 1,000 yard receiver in the future.  At the very least he will turn into a dangerous slot receiver that every team in the NFL wants now, thanks Wes Welker.   

Overall Offseason Outlook

The Jets have good young talent mixed with some very savvy veterans.  This isn’t a bad team the problem is that they tend to be drawn to the spotlight.  This is an offseason where they should step away from Hard Knocks step away from cameras all over the facilities.  What they need to focus on is bringing back guys like Reed and Cromartie who are still very good players and quality starters.  In today’s game I feel like this is frowned upon, teams are always trying to get younger and younger.  In the Jets case I think they need these older guys in the locker room along with guys like Vick to help their young players along.  

It was also a good move to keep Rex Ryan.  In todays game coaches don’t have time to dig themselves out of dry spells and coach up their young guys.  The Jets did a good job in not listening to public opinion and staying true to their guy.  Rex will have another offseason to develope some good young talent and bring in some more young players in a deep draft class.