The New York Jets are not expected to win a Super Bowl or even make the playoffs in 2021-22. However, the up-and-coming AFC East franchise has made some impactful offseason adjustments while adding some talented players at some key positions.
This has placed at least some expectations around the Jets heading into the latest campaign.
While New York is anticipating some improvement in 2021-22, the Jets still unfortunately play in the loaded AFC East alongside the upstart Miami Dolphins, heralded New England Patriots and defending division champion Buffalo Bills. With that being said, even a last place finish in this year's AFC East field wouldn't be the worst outcome for a franchise looking to rebuild slowly but surely.
With that being said, even the slightest expectations also come with some position battles throughout the offseason. By bringing in some new faces and some additional talent, the Jets have improved at a number of positions this time around, making for some committee approaches and tough decisions for the New York coaching staff ahead of Week 1.
Jets roster intrigues:
Tevin Coleman, RB / Ty Johnson, RB
With the Le'Veon Bell experiment going wildly wrong en route to heading south in quite the hurry, the New York Jets were forced to look outside the organization to help fill such a void this offseason. As as result, the Jets elected to sign former Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco 49ers running back Tevin Coleman, a player that can provide a veteran presence both in the backfield and in the locker room. A player like Coleman who has experienced success atop the highest level can go a long way for the Jets in a variety of different ways.
The Jets also selected former North Carolina Tar Heels running back Michael Carter in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft to add some youth to the equation as well. Unfortunately, Carter hasn't had the best first offseason as a professional running back, which has dropped the rookie rusher to third on the team's current depth chart.
With Coleman currently topping the list and Carter slated for more of a reserve role, it is time to keep an eye on another Jets running back in Ty Johnson. Showing flashes of brilliance at times last season with the aforementioned Bell an uncertainty for the majority of the campaign, Johnson could very well encounter a breakout season in 2021-22. Last season, Johnson appeared in 11 regular season games for the Jets, his first go-round in East Rutherford, and rushed for 254 yards and one touchdown on 54 carries.
The soon-to-be 24-year-old Johnson was originally selected by the Detroit Lions in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Maryland.
Chris Herndon, TE / Tyler Kroft, TE
The New York Jets have tried and tried…and tried some more to make tight end Chris Herndon into a formidable NFL player. However, injuries have unfortunately derailed Herndon's NFL playing career in East Rutherford while the veteran pass catcher just hasn't been able to produce when healthy. Last season, the 25-year-old Herndon appeared in all 16 regular season games for the Jets but only managed to string together 31 receptions, 45 targets, 287 receiving yards and a trio of scores. Prior to the 2020-21 campaign, the former Miami Hurricanes standout appeared in just a single game for the Jets in 2019-20 and recorded one catch for seven yards on two targets.
As a result, it appears as though it is finally the end of the line for Herndon as far as his starting tight end position goes as the Jets notably signed former Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills tight end Tyler Kroft this offseason. Because Kroft only inked a one-year deal with New York, the veteran pass catcher will surely have something to prove this time around.
Last season, the 28-year-old Kroft tallied 12 receptions, 16 targets, 119 yards and three touchdowns as a member of the Bills. However, Kroft can no doubt serve as a top tight end for the Jets as he once registered 42 receptions, 62 targets, 404 yards and seven touchdowns for the Bengals back in 2017-18. It should also not go unnoticed that Kroft has already built up a quality chemistry and rapport with Jets rookie quarterback Zach Wilson, who the team infamously selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft out of BYU.
It is also worth noting that the Jets also have Ryan Griffin in the mix at tight end while Herndon may very well continue to fall down the team's depth chart as the 2021-22 regular season progresses. On the other hand, Kroft will have every opportunity to emerge.
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