Jets 2010 Needs

The New York Jets had a great run in 2009 with a rookie quarterback and rookie head coach (although Rex’s defensive scheme says nothing “rookie” about it) and it ended a win short of the Super Bowl. Gang Green has a bunch of young players to build around, but they also have some holes to fill. Look for them to add depth or upgrade at the following positions:

Cornerback
- Cornerback may be their biggest need. After watching Peyton Manning and the Colts’ second and third best receivers light up the Jets second and third cornerbacks, to be a Super Bowl team the Jets will need to upgrade at this position. Lito Sheppard is due $10 million in March and it doesn’t appear the Jets will hang on to him. Dwight Lowery isn’t good enough to be the Jets second cornerback. We saw that in the AFC Championship. The Jets need a solid cornerback to compliment Darrelle Revis.

Outside Linebacker
- Calvin Pace provides an excellent pass rush from one side, but the Jets need someone who is going to be a terror rushing the passer all the time. The better the pass rush the Jets get from their outside linebackers, the less Rex needs to send extra blitzers. A solid pass rusher would allow the Jets to drop an extra man in coverage. Also, Vernon Gholston has been a bust and the Jets should part ways with him, even if that means cutting him and taking the cap hit. 

Defensive End
- Shaun Ellis isn’t getting any younger and the Jets would like to add another defensive end. The Jets had a pretty good rotation in 2009 which included Ellis, Marques Douglas and Mike DeVito, but adding a young, bulky guy that is great against the run will add life to the defensive line.

Wide Receiver
- No matter what happens with Braylon Edwards, the Jets need a third receiver that can be counted on in third-down situations. The Jets need another playmaker at the receiving position that won’t drop passes and a guy that can make plays out of the slot. If the Jets don’t sign Edwards, they’ll need a number one receiver. Last summer the Jets were being discussed as possible trade suitors for Brandon Marshall of the Broncos and if Edwards doesn’t sign, the Jets may rekindle the idea. 

The Jets own the 29th pick in this year’s upcoming NFL Draft in April.