WR:
The wide receiver position is probably the weakest on the offensive side of the ball. The major loss of the offseason was Laverneus Coles, who has moved on to the Bengals. Coles has been the Jets #1 receiver for the last few years but was never happy with his contract. Replacing him now is Jerricho Corchery. Many believe that Cotchery has been the best receiver on the team for a few years. With steady hands and good evasiveness, Cotchery should be able to step up and make a difference on the offensive side of the ball.
The #2 WR position is one of the most unsettled spots in the organization. The front office opted to not address this issue in the offseason and is instead hoping that someone will step up and grab the spot. The likely candidates for this spot include Chansi Stuckey, David Clowney, and Brad Smith. These three wide receivers have never made a huge impact on the NFL level. However, Stuckey had 35 catches last year as a slot receiver and Clowney has a killer twitter page. One of these three receivers, as well as the plethora of others that are at camp will have to distinguish themselves to earn that coveted spot.
The wide receiver position was not addressed in the offseason with the hope that a largely unknown receivers would step up and prove themselves. I believe that the Jets will find a serviceable #2 receiver for this season. However, I think the issue needs to be further addressed next offseason.
TE/FB:
The tight end section is going to be short because Dustin Keller is developing into a top tight end in the league. His better than average speed and size allows him to dominate the center of hte field. With an inexperienced starting QB I believe that Keller will have a monster season and break into the top 5 TE's in the league. Kareem Brown, the former defensive end, will attempt to be the #2 tight end and the Jets leading run blocker at the position.
Tony Richardson will once again return as FB. His lead blocking led Thomas Jones to be the leading rusher in the league last year and is one of the most respected run blockers in the league.
OL:
The offensive line is probably the most solid part of the offensive unit. The line is returning 5 starters who gelled together last year and allowed Thomas Jones to become the leading rusher in the league. D'Brickshaw Ferguson is finally coming into his own and becoming the type of run blocker the Jets knew they were drafting with the 4th pick back in 2006. Next to him, Alan Fanaca has anchored the line and provided stability from the middle. His veteran presence has helped with the development of both Ferguson and Nick Mangold. Nick Mangold, another 2006 draft pick, has grown into a top center in the entire NFL. Taking over for Kevin Mawae in 2006, Mangold has had very few growing pains. The most overlooked member of the OL is right guard Brnadon Moore. Moore has become a very consistent, hard nosed guard who has excelled in run blocking. The Jets managed to retain him in the offseason after almost losing him to free agency. The right tackle position is filled by Damian Woody. Woody was signed by the Jets last year and made a seamless move to right tackle. He has become another good, solid lineman on a line that should help in the development of the young QB's.
The offensive line is the most impressive unit on the team. The line gelled together last year and should form a unit that dominates the opposition. The lack of depth on the OL is a problem and the Jets will have to hope that injuries do not strike this part of the team. If this unit is able to stay intact all year they should, once again, be a top 5 unit in the league.
CB:
The cornerback position should be a strength of the defense this year. Darrelle Revis returns as the top cornerback and will rarely have the all thrown to his side. His ability to limit the oppositions #1 receiver should provide plenty of opportunities for fellow CB's Lito Sheppard and Dwight Lowery to make plays. Sheppard is a new arrival from Philadelphia and should fill in as the #2 CB opposite of Revis. The ball will be thrown to his side plenty and he will have to be ready to make plays. Lowery fills in as the #3 CB after being the #2 most of last season. Despite not having amazing physical tools, Lowery is able to make plays and be a serviceable cornerback. With Revis and Lito in front of him, Lowery s hould be able to perform his duties in the slow CB role well.
S:
The safety position is loaded with talent. Kerry Rhodes, despite a lackluster past year, is returning with a vengeance and is ready to go to his first pro bowl. Rhodes is the best playmaker in the defensive backfield and he hsould be more active in the new Rex Ryan defense. Newly signed from Baltimore, Jim Leonhard enters the season as the other starting safety. Leonhard was a first time starter last season in Baltimore and despite his undersized frame, he came on strong and had a great season. The third safety is Eric Smith. Smith has had a great offseason and Ryan loves what he sees from him. He should be on the field a bunch this season and look for him to become a huge playmaker and maybe even replace Leonhard at some point.
DL:
The defensive line is a fairly strong unit that is anchored in the center by big Kris Jenkins. Jenkins weighs in at around 350 pounds and is one of the top 3-4 DT's in the NFL. He is able to occupy lineman and open up holes for the RB's and other blitzers. Jenkins faded at the end of last season but there are reports that he is ready this season and will be in even better shape. Jenkins is the most important member of the DL and he could be the major factor in determining the success of the team this year. The always solid Shaun Ellis returns to his 3-4 role which he has begun to excel at. Despite the fact that he is not putting up huge sack numbers, Ellis plays a large role against the run and will continue to play well. Marques Douglas enters the season as the biggest question mark at defense. Replacing Kenyon Coleman, Douglas has the size and strength to play DE in Rex Ryan's system. If he is unable to hold on to this role, look for Mike Devito to get some playing time.
LB:
The linebacker position has drastically changed since 2008. 2009 will open up with two starters from last season. Vernon Gholston will be the week 1 starter at one of the two OLB spots. The second year player comes into the season with diminished expectations after a terrible rookie campaign. This year Gholston will get a chance to prove himself as he starts the first 4 games for Calvin Pace, who is facing a drug suspension. If Gholston plays well in the OLB role, it could spell great things for the Jets defense once Pace comes back. Next to Pace/Gholston is newcomer Bart Scott. Coming in from Baltimore, Scott was the Jets biggest addition of the offseason. He is expected to bring tenacity and skill to the LB core which has been missing in recent years. He can cover and rush the passer and should anchor the LB. An overlooked player coming into this year is MLB David Harris. Harris is a great ILB who was derailed by injuries last year and never really got going. I believe that this year is the time when he will step up and prove to the league that he is a pro bowl middle linebacker. Bryan Thomas will line up in the other OLB role. Thomas has a huge contract but has not produced great results. I believe that he could be replaced early if Gholston plays well in his short stint as starter.
E-A-G-L-E-S- EAGLES!
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