Priorities include making shrewd draft choices, having success in the free-agent market, and hiring a coaching staff to develop young players.
Currently sitting at 0-13, the Jets may become just the 3rd NFL team ever to finish 0-16, joining the not-so-prestigious company of the 2016 Browns and 2008 Lions. With four contests remaining, the Jets have difficult games against the Seahawks (9-4), Rams (9-4), Browns (9-4), and Patriots (6-7). And it means that an 0-for season is not only possible, it’s also likely.
Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence (photo, Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports & The Atlantic)
While the Jets would prefer to avoid that outcome, a winless season would ensure the Jets the #1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft. And with issues at quarterback, don’t be surprised if the Jets use that pick to take highly-touted Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence led the Tigers to a national championship as a true freshman and has done nothing to disappoint since, going 33-1 over his college career.
Standing at 6’6”, Lawrence has the arm talent and athleticism to become a plug-and-play NFL quarterback. With 86 career passing touchdowns and just 15 interceptions, Lawrence’s 2020 passer rating is 120.9. In addition to having natural talent, Lawrence possesses football intelligence with the ability to down defensive schemes.
However, even if the Jets draft Lawrence–and he ends up being as good as billed–the Jets need more. And that’s where the team’s additional 1st round picks, which were acquired from Seattle in exchange for safety Jamal Adams, come into play.
With their second first-round pick in the upcoming draft, the Jets should consider Lawrence’s teammate and Heisman candidate, Travis Etienne. What’s more, trading current QB Sam Darnold would garner more picks and add to the current draft portfolio, including two third-round and two fifth-round picks. With an abundance of draft capital, GM Joe Douglas would build a strong supporting cast for Lawrence.
Gase isn’t working out in NY (photo, Gang Green Nation)
But even Draft success won’t be enough. The team must do well in the free agency market. Luckily, the Jets have the second most cap-room in the NFL. And with a talented free agent cast in 2021, the Jets can improve in several areas, starting with the offensive line.
Then there’s coaching. Adam Gase has a 7-21 record over two seasons, and that poor record is due, in part, to coaching miscues, including play-calling issues. But perhaps the biggest problem is the staff’s inability to develop talent. Darnold is an example. Testimony to coaching failures is how former players have flourished in other franchises. Robby Anderson and Ryan Tannehill are examples. Then, there’s Gase’s relationship with his players. It’s no secret, for example, that Adams wanted out of New York.
The bottom line is that a new head coach is needed. And preeminent in that regard is the ability to work with young players. Currently, the Jets have the second-youngest team in the NFL, including the likes of safety Marcus Maye, D-lineman Quinnen Williams, and tackle Mekhi Becton. While all of these players were drafted with great promise, it remains to be seen whether they’ll have pro success with the Jets.
And as the Jets think about all that needs to be done, management and fans can take heart from observing what has happened in Cleveland. The Browns have rebounded from 2016 and that disastrous 0-16 season. The team has slowly and steadily evolved into a very competitive team (standing 9-4 currently), primed for the playoffs.
Even though IF is the biggest word in sports … if the Jets can make good draft choices, if they can gain traction in the free-agent market, and if they can remake the coaching staff with an eye toward developing young players, NYJ will have a flight plan back to NFL respectability.
