These are the Jets 5 Most Pressing Needs Heading to Free Agency
1. Outside Linebacker – You might think it is not a big need, but really, it is by far the most pressing need. Bryan Thomas is getting up there in age and never was much of a pass rusher. Calvin Pace is only capable of 7 sacks in a 3-4 defense led by the best defensive coach in the NFL.
Possible Pickups Include
- Manny Lawson
- Shawne Merriman (Trade with Buffalo)
2. Free Safety – The Jets have not had a good free safety since Kerry Rhodes was here and Jim Leonhard was playing free safety. Brodney Pool was a stop-gap solution when Eric Smith moved to SS to fill in for Leonhard, but nether Brodney Pool or Eric Smith should be considered a starting FS.
Possible Pickups Include
- Dawan Landry
- Oshiogwe (OJ) Atogwe
3. Defensive End – If Shaun Ellis leaves I would be a lot more worried about this. The Jets do not have much talent on the outside of their defensive lineman but in a 3-4 defense, teams just want somebody that can get pressure on the quarterback and shed blocks. The Jets should not be looking for a pass rusher here and this gives them a lot of different options.
- Matthias Kiwanuka
- Manny Lawson
4. Cornerback 2 – This is of course if Antonio Cromartie leaves. Even if he does leave, the Jets have Kyle Wilson who was only a rookie last season. I think it would have been helpful if Darrelle Revis had helped him last offseason, but he held out. This year Revis should be around to help him become more of a lockdown corner. Possible candidates include:
- Nnamdi Asomugha
- Kyle Wilson
5. Kicker – The Jets should have dumped Nick Folk as soon as the season ended. Not only did I like Jay Feely, but I knew that Nick Folk would not work out. He is inconsistent, is not a leader and he is a warm weather or dome weather kicker. The Jets signed Nick Novak who was one of the most sought after kickers during the 2009-2010 season. He also led the UFL in points last season (though that fails to prove anything). Possible Candidates include:
- Nick Novak
- Drafted kicker
