The Jets are one of the favorite preseason picks to go to the Super Bowl this season. With that reasoning, the team should be strong in almost every area. Even with Rex Ryan as head coach, the Jets have some questionable areas on defense. Although they have intriguing pieces at each of the areas of need, a better replacement could probably be found next offseason.
In no particular order, here's a look at the needs the Jets may have to fill:
Defensive end: Shaun Ellis is solid at one side, but a big issue facing the Jets is whether or not Vernon Gholston can handle 3-4 end. He's done nothing his whole career and this is his last chance to make it. Fellow end Mike DeVito is solid but more of a depth player.
New York Jets team needs
Outside linebacker: Unless
can come in and play like he did five years ago, the Jets lack an elite pass rusher.
is more of a run stopper.
is good on one end, but he’s never had more than the eight sacks he registered in 2009.
Free safety: Jim Leonard is set at strong, but the team has a mix of players to figure out at the free safety position. The job appears to be a tossup between
,
, undrafted rookie
and cornerback convert
. The Jets need a bona-fide pass defender at free safety to allow Leonard to play the run, where he’s better.
Kicker: The current kicker is
, who was cut by Dallas, a dome team. It would be a surprise if Folk played any better in worse conditions.
Running back:
performed well in the playoffs, but that was only two games. This becomes a need if he can’t be the kind of lead back the team expects. And don’t get too excited about LaDanian Tomlinson either. He hasn’t averaged four yards a carry since the 2008 season and will be a worn down 31 when the season starts.
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