If the Jets grab another receiver the offense could be passable, but opposing quarterbacks will be chomping at the bit to face this squad.
Grade: C
The Jets did not completely whiff during the free agency period. They brought in Eric Decker, who is widely regarded as the best available receiver this year. Michael Vick was another decent acquisition both with regard to helping the team win and potentially helping Geno Smith develop his game. If the Jets take a big time receiver in the draft then they could really have something on offense. This is now a big if because they did a terrible job of piecing together a defense this offseason.
It was nice that they kept Calvin Pace because he is the majority of their pass rush. On the other hand, their secondary is in shambles at the moment. Not only did they let Antonio Cromartie get away, they failed to replace him with any of the big name options who were on the market.
The fact that the Jets did not sign a cornerback should cause some concern for the fans. This could mean that they plan to address this issue via the draft and that could cost them a chance to get a top flight wideout. Furthermore, a cornerback taken in the draft is no lock to perform in their first season. Dee Milliner was a highly regarded prospect coming out of college and fans saw that he was not up to the challenge presented by NFL receivers.
To sum things up, the defense looks like it could be scary next year. Unfortunately I mean that it could be scary to the Jets and not to opposing offenses. While there is no doubt that they should continue to stop the run well, that isn't what the league is about anymore. It has been proven over and over that no pass rush plus a suspect secondary will lead to a lot of points on the board. This is the situation that the Jets find themselves in at the moment.
On the other hand, the offense could end up being the team's strength. If there is any truth to the rumors that the Jets could pick up Desean Jackson then things could really get interesting. Jackson would bring the explosiveness that the Jets have been missing on offense and special teams for years. He already has a rapport with Michael Vick and his presence would open up some holes in coverage for Decker as well.
Fans of Gang Green had better keep their fingers crossed that more moves are on the horizon or it could be a long season at the Meadowlands.
