Entering the 2021 offseason, you could make a case that no team has more questions that need answers than the New York Jets. They've hired their new head coach, that's step one. Robert Saleh comes over from San Francisco to take over the reigns for the Jets. He was with the 49ers from 2017 through this past season as defensive coordinator and was widely regarded as one of the top coaching candidates available over the last two years. Through the rest of free agency, the Jets have plenty of decisions to make. Here are four bold predictions for the 2021 offseason.
1.) Hang on to Sam Darnold and run it back again
We did say bold right?
Sam Darnold's name has been brought up, again and again, this offseason as a potential quarterback on the move. While he's far from the class of other quarterbacks that have been whispered to be traded like Russell Wilson and Deshaun Watson, there is a lot of unknown with Darnold's game. Some believe the Jets have surrounded him with nothing and that he needs weapons and an offensive line to solve the problems.
Others stand firm that even with a good supporting cast, Darnold just isn't it.
I say the Jets give him what every quarterback needs this offseason and see what he's got. Perhaps it blows up in their face, but can you imagine if they trade Darnold and he turns into a star? It's best if the Jets do everything they can around him and find out for themselves.
2.) With the #2 overall pick, the New York Jets select…Ja'Marr Chase
This is a domino effect decision based on the first bold prediction.
The Jets could use offensive line help, and I understand they just signed Corey Davis to a deal, but if Davis is your number one option at wideout, eh, there's room for improvement. In comes Ja'Marr Chase.
Chase opted out the 2020 season to prepare for the NFL Draft but the last time we saw him on the field, there may have been no better quarterback-wide receiver duo in all of college football than Joe Burrow and Chase.
He's got home run ability and his route tree is wonderful. His speed is great and there aren't any concerns about how his game transitions into the NFL.
With this pick, the Jets get Darnold a true number one wideout to go alongside Corey Davis and the rest of the offense.
3.) With pick #34, New York select…Najee Harris
Keep in mind the Jets have two first-round picks before you jump this bold prediction.
Robert Saleh is a defensive-minded coach, after all, so we can slot in a linebacker or an edge rusher like Ronnie Perkins with pick No. 23 for the Jets. Saleh needs some magic on that side of the ball too.
I'm not a proponent of taking running backs early in drafts, but early second-round seems far enough back for a team that desperately needs an upgrade at the position.
With Najee Harris, the Jets get someone that can be a bell cow, three-down back with a high motor.
Harris can get physical between the tackles but he also is deceptively quick when working it to the outside.
He's just the next great Alabama running back in line to make the transition to the NFL.
Remember when I said surround Darnold with plenty of weapons and then make your opinion about him?
Corey Davis, Ja'Marr Chase, Najee Harris? Not too bad if you ask me.
4.) Add a solid cornerback via free agency
Saleh's secondary could use some help and the Jets have money to spend. While it's not recommended to burn the cash just to get rid of it (that usually doesn't work out for teams in free agency), the Jets could look into adding a cornerback via free agency instead of the draft.
Kyle Fuller's name has been thrown around as one that the Bears could potentially let go of because of his contract. Adoree' Jackson was released by the Titans. While these guys and others on the market aren't exactly Jaire Alexander or Jalen Ramsey, they are solid corners who would bring an immediate upgrade to the position for the Jets.
Within these four predictions, the offensive line wasn't addressed. Everyone expects the Jets to make moves with the line in one way or another, so it's not necessarily a “bold” prediction.
Surround Darnold with true talent in 2021, roll out the red carpet for him and see what you actually have in your young quarterback going forward. This plan achieves just that for the Jets.
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