Open Rants by DrRobD

The Jets have significant problems on both sides of the ball (as well as Special Teams), and a nearly complete overhaul is in order.  Here are some things the Jets can/need to do to address them, with the goal of being competitive not in 2017 (unrealistic), but 2018.  These are in no particular order, given that every need is pretty much paramount at this point:

1) QB: The Jets need to play Hackenberg in 2017 to see what they have there.  While it is understood that the coaches see what we do not during practices, meetings, etc., the fact remains that Hackenberg is a 2nd round pick.  With no reasonable possibility of competing in 2017, he needs to play so the Jets can make decide if they need to pick a QB yet again in the 2018 draft (a loaded QB draft), or if they can address other needs next year.  Petty is likely the backup in this scenario, with the 3rd stringer obtained either in FA or late in the 2017 draft.  Fitz and Smith are obvious gonners...

2) The secondary needs an overhaul.  Revis's contract needs to be restructured and he can move to Safety.  Either that or he needs to be cut, as his regression in 2016 was astounding, but his football IQ and (hopefully) renewed worth ethic should allow him to play Safety.  The Jets are, supposedly, high on Burress (2016 4th round pick), so he should get a legit shot at the other corner, but a high pick is warranted on a CB this year.  Skrine, Gilchrist and Pryor have all underachieved, so cuts could be coming and perhaps another high draft pick goes to a Safety.

3) Marshall is aging and should likely go if the Jets can't restructure his deal.  Jets QB's have struggled mightily when the target him, and there is a decent core of receivers in the mix with Decker returning, Enunwa improving, and the trio of rookies from this year (Marshall, Andersen and Peake).  None of those may prove to be stars, but if the Jets have hit on just one, they can be okay at the position without Marshall.  

4) Powell has performed when given the chance, but he doesn't appear to be a game-changer.  The Jets could get Fournette at #5, giving them a playmaker they haven't had at the RB position in quite a while.  Forte should be gone and perhaps a late round RB pick would give the Jets a good core to make Hack's transition to starter a little easier.

5) The OL needs an overhaul.  Johnson has played well enough in Mangold's absence to warrant consideration for the starting gig.  I suspect Mangold will retire.  Carpenter has been one of the better OL for the team, and Winters (RG) has improved, but both OT's need an upgrade.  Clady will be and should be cut, and unless the Jets think Qvale or Ijalana have more than they've shown us, the Jets could be using two draft picks on Tackles, unless the freed up money (e.g., Marshall, Clady, Revis) allows them to spend on a FA.

6) The Jets *still* don't have an edge rusher.  Mauldin has regressed in Year Two, while Jenkins is still an unknown.  An early to mid-round pick on an edge backer is likely unless one can be obtained in FA.  Lee hasn't stood out (yet) in year 1 and Harris is getting old in the tooth, but I don't think either of them will or should be jettisoned.  Maybe the Jets spend a mid or late round pick on another 

7) On the DL, Wilkerson *may* still be playing hurt and he's signed a long-term deal, so he stays put.  The ability is too good to pass.  Leonard Williams is soon to be an All-Pro and also stays.  Richardson is the likely odd man out, but I suggest keeping him on his rookie deal, given that he wouldn't fetch much in a trade (due to off the field issues and attitude problems), and he will likely play harder as his first non-rookie deal is approaching.  

8) Special teams are a problem because the Jets have no depth.  They need to do a better job evaluating young talent and drafting accordingly.  To that end, the Jets should NOT trade up in the first round for a QB or any other position for that matter.  If anything they should trade down and get more picks to develop the middle and bottom end of the roster.  2017 is not a realistic goal for this, but they could be in a much better position in 2018 if they follow an appropriate plan.