For the second in time in as many years, the New York Jets fell one game shy of the Super Bowl. Starting with being featured on the HBO Series and Hard Knocks and ending with an AFC Championship loss at the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers, it was a roller coaster season for Rex Ryan's club.
2011 NFL Draft Needs: New York Jets
On the offensive side of the ball, Mark Sanchez and company had an up and down season. Sanchez looked clueless at times and brilliant in other games. Ladainian Tomlinson looked like the L.T. of old during the early part of the season, but struggled to sustain his production throughout the season. The wide receiver position was one of strength for the Jets once Santonio Holmes returned from his suspension.
However, Holmes is now a free agent along with New York’s other talented wideout, Braylon Ewards.It is unlikely that the Jets will be able to resign both. In addition to retaining offensive weapons, the continued development of Mark Sanchez will determine the fate of New York’s offense in 2011.
Defensively the Jets were once again near the top of the league in all major statistical categories. Despite their recent success, New York's defense has some issues to address. The biggest question surrounding Rex Ryan's stop unit is whether or not free agent cornerback Antonio Cromartie will be resigned.
Even with the services of Cromartie and Revis, the Jets had trouble closing out games defensively. New York's defense allowing Ben Roethlisberger to seal the deal was representative of their entire season. In addition to replacing or resigning Cromartie, the Jets have a 34 year old free agent on the defensive line in Shaun Ellis. Meanwhile, Rex Ryan is still in need of a pass rushing linebacker for his 3-4 defense.
Last offseason, The Jets made a big splash by signing a handful of high priced free agents and trading for Santonio Holmes and Antonio Cromartie. In 2011, the Jets are trying to hold their roster together while filling holes with young players in the 2011 NFL Draft.
3-4 Rush Linebacker - The Jets have come within a game of the Super Bowl for two straight seasons, and if they expect to get over the hump, New York has to continue to add talented pass rushers for Rex Ryan's 3-4 defense. Jason Taylor will likely move on from the Jets, which leaves the team with Calvin Pace and Bryan Thomas at the OLB positions. An athletic prospect like Justin Houston would add some depth to this front seven.
3-4 Defensive End - As mentioned above, Shaun Ellis is 34 years old and a free agent this offseason. While he has been dominant for New York, they have to consider drafting his eventual replacement. Whether or not the Jets spend a first round selection on the position will depend on whether they are able to resign Sedrick Ellis.
Wide Receiver - The New York Jets are going to have a hard time resigning both Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes. The departure of either one would leave a vacancy to be filled. The 2011 NFL Draft class is deep in the middle rounds at wide receiver, so the Jets will not have an issue finding a replacement for either Holmes or Edwards.
Cornerback - If the Jets let Antonio Cromartie test the open market a replacement will be needed. Last year's first round pick, Kyle Wilson, is not ready to step into a starting role. Either through free agency or the draft, New York will address the secondary depth this offseason.
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