What’s the key to success in the NFL? Build around your young rookie quarterback and surround him with talent to maximize his potential. That is exactly what the New York Jets have done this offseason. Zach Wilson may have had a lackluster start to the season last year, but he finished off strong showing flashes of a star. Head coach Robert Saleh and General Manager Joe Douglas knew what they needed – spend big in free agency and ace the draft. 

Free agency was big for the Jets. On the offensive side of the ball, they boosted up the offensive line with one of the best guards in the league, Laken Tomlinson. An offensive line consisting of Mekhi Becton, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and Laken Tomlinson seems to be an iron wall. They also went out and got tight-end C.J. Uzomah to add a weapon into the arsenal for Zach Wilson. New York was in the mix for practically all the big names receivers looking to be traded (Tyreek Hill, AJ Brown, Deebo Samuel) however were unfortunate to get one of them. The Jets also signed cornerback D.J. Reed and safety Jordan Whitehead for some vital secondary help. Robert Saleh loves his defense, and with the names he’s got there’s no doubt this defense will be some of the best in the league. 

After a great free agency, the Jets come into the first round of the NFL Draft with picks 4 and 10. I must say, it’s hard to screw up two top 10 picks, but the Jets absolutely nailed their selections. At 4th overall, they took cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Garder, who many believe to be the best cornerback in this class. His lengthy build and physical play style make him a pest in the secondary. Then at pick 10, the Jets took wide receiver, Garrett Wilson – believed to be the best receiver in this class. Two 10/10 picks, top guys at their positions. The New York Jets then traded up into the first round at pick 26 to select edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II. He fell due to some injury concerns – but the talent is there, especially working with Saleh, we can see Johnson’s full potential shine. Those were only the A+ first-round selections. The Jets then drafted possibly the best running back in this class Breece Hall in the second round at pick 36. Hall is added to a backfield consisting of Michael Carter, and Tevin Coleman. 

The combination of proven veterans and young talent screams success. The New York Jets can very well compete for the division, along with the Buffalo Bills. No doubt the Miami Dolphins had a tremendous offseason, but I don’t believe Tua Tagovailoa can take that step up they need him to be able to succeed. Of course, the New England Patriots with Bill Belichick will always work out, but looking at the roster the team is far less talented than the rest of the division. The New York Jets have their fair share of tough games (Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills 2x, Cinncinati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos) that they can steal a surprise win against. Overall I predict the Jets winning 8-10 games – not Super Bowl/deep playoff run good, but good enough to shock some people. That may sound blasphemous but with the offseason moves they’ve made I believe it could happen!