The New York Jets missed the playoffs last season despite a 10-6 record. Ryan Fitzpatrick is back in the fold which gives them a chance to make the playoffs this season. What can we expect from New York in 2016?
3 Position Battles To Watch:
- Quarterback: Geno Smith vs. Christian Hackenberg vs. Bryce Petty
Ryan Fitzpatrick will start which means the Jets have a decision to make with their backups. No NFL team cuts 2nd round picks making Hackenberg a lock to at least make the roster. That means Geno Smith and Bryce Petty better be on high alert during the preseason, one of them likely gets released.
2. Outside Linebacker: Jordan Jenkins vs. Trevor Reilly vs. Freddie Bishop
Calvin Pace and Quinton Coples are both gone. Lorenzo Mauldin will start on one side leaving the other spot open. Reilly spent most of the time last year as a special teamer while Bishop is making the transition from the Canadian league. Expect Jordan Jenkins to win the job who realistically could be better than his collegiate teammate Leonard Floyd who was selected in the top 10. He just isn’t nearly as athletic.
3. Inside Linebacker: David Harris vs. Erin Henderson vs. Darron Lee vs. Bruce Carter
Demario Davis is gone and two of the four players above will start. Harris and Henderson are the presumable favorites but both are up there in age and could seemingly regress. Lee is the 2016 first round pick who will start eventually. Carter is a guy who has always shown flashes but is highly inconsistent.
Ready To Breakout: Leonard Williams
I called Williams a can’t miss prospect a year ago and delivered on that promise as a rookie. Williams recorded 63 total tackles from the 3-4 defensive end spot as a devastating run stuffer. He also added 3 sacks along the way as well. Heading into year two expect Williams to really take off as one of the games best.
Fantasy Sleeper: Jace Amaro
Everyone knows about the Jets trio in Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker, and Matt Forte. Maybe the tight end finally breaks out in 2016. Amaro missed the 2015 season due to injury but was solid in his rookie year in 2014 catching 38 passes.
Rookie To Watch: Christian Hackenberg
I thought the Jets had a solid draft but everyone has to have their eyes on Christian Hackenberg. The Jets believe they have their quarterback of the future. Boy is this going to be a fun preseason to watch.
