Before the NFL draft completely takes over the headlines, let's take a look at the fantasy prospects of current Jets players.
Quarterback:
This one is a tough call since it is impossible to say who will be starting next year. If we just stick with the players on the roster, that would leave Geno Smith as the most fantasy relevant player. This is not good news for anyone who would like to use a Jet at QB. Smith is a lower tier real-life quarterback even with another year of experience. It is reasonable to assume that he will have some help from new offensive pieces in 2014 but avoid him in all but the deepest fantasy leagues.
Running Back:
The Jets have a couple of decent options for owners in need of a running back. This position is worth a look and could improve if the team addresses their need at left guard in the offseason.
Chris Ivory is solid if not particularly exciting to watch. He runs hard and gets downhill in a hurry, but has little in the way of breakaway speed once through the line of scrimmage. Ivory has often impressed in fill in duty with the Saints and the Jets, but he has struggled to stay healthy. Pay for him as a flex but hope for RB2 upside.
Bilal Powell has a bit more upside than Ivory depending on how the carries are split. If the Jets gave Powell 15-20 carries per game, especially if a couple of those carries were near the goal line he could be a top 15 back. More likely he'll finish as a borderline RB2 because he will end up splitting carries.
Wide Receiver:
The cupboard is bare when it comes to useful wide receivers on Gang Green. There is some talent on the roster, but they have yet to parlay that into any real fantasy success. A couple of notable names could be worth a look...maybe.
Stephen Hill sticks out to me as a player who should put up big numbers but has not put it together. Hill is big (6'4" 215 lbs) and he's fast (4.36 40 at the combine) but the honeymoon is over with the Jets brass. This year he will need to come back healthy and motivated in order to make the team. Hill gets one more chance in my book because of his off the charts physical gifts and I think he rewards the Jets for it...to an extent. I see Hill as a boom or bust type WR3 with the potential to have a monster week at any time. Hill should play like Calvin Johnson, but think stats more like Devery Henderson in his prime.
David Nelson, Santonio Holmes and Jeremy Kerley are roster fillers, nothing more. I mean this not only for fantasy owners but also real life managers. Kerley and Nelson have some skill as posession receivers, but don't waste a spot on them.
Tight End:
Step back folks, nothing to see here...
Jeff Cumberland is below league average for his position. If you are starting him then you did not draft well or were devastated by injuries. I will be surprised if he is the Jets first option at tight end in 2014, but if he is don't let him be yours
Now if the Jets were to pick up Eric Ebron, Jace Amaro, Jermichael Finley or any number of other available players this all changes.
Defense/Special Teams:
The Jets defense is perenially in the top third of the league, but this does not necessarily make them a great fit for fantasy. They will not put up a lot of fantasy points in 2014 because they don't have a great pass rush and they don't force turnovers. You could do worse on defense, but don't draft them expecting top tier production.
The return game has not been worth talking about since Leon Washington left, so that should say all that needs to be said about the value of the special teams portion.
Kicker:
Nick Folk actually had a very nice season in 2013 going 33 of 36 on field goal attempts. I tend to preach streaming kickers throughout the season and Folk can be solid given a decent matchup.
This is just a preliminary look at next year, after the draft I will revisit the roster and make any necessary additions or subtractions. For the moment, grab whichever Jets running back falls to you on the cheap, and grab a Stephen Hill lottery ticket.
