The New York Jets have a number of strengths on their roster entering the season.
For a long time, the New York Jets have not had a good roster. While portions of the offense or defense have been above-average, the team hasn’t had an elite unit since Rex Ryan was coaching the team. While some may argue the 2015 season fits under that mold, it’s hard to praise a team that would end up missing the playoffs in a win-and-get-in situation. However, entering the 2024 season, the Jets do have plenty of strengths on the roster.
Quarterback
There are a lot of people who are counting out Aaron Rodgers and the Jets this season, but to be honest, this strength goes beyond Rodgers. Yes, the four-time NFL MVP is clearly a strength at a position the Jets haven’t had strength at in quite some time. And of course, that leadership is a huge boost to a young Jets offense. However, the backup quarterback position is the best that New York has had in years.
Tyrod Taylor has a proven track record as a quarterback. And, he performs exceptionally well in a spot-starter role as a backup quarterback. While injuries are a concern, Taylor has also played well during OTAs and training camp.
Brownlee sighting – splits the coverage between Stiggers and Monroe, great pass by Tyrod Taylor. #Jets pic.twitter.com/ZQRbzPbfUL
— Tommy Jets (@ThomasCP_NFL) July 30, 2024
Running Back
In a position group that features Breece Hall, this shouldn’t be a surprise. Hall has proven to be one of the most dynamic running backs in the NFL, and has showcased an elite trait by being one of the few players to perform at an elite level the season after suffering an ACL tear. Those type of players, historically, are some of the best running backs in the history of the sport. And behind Hall, the Jets running back room is deep.
It’s early in camp, but rookie running backs Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis have looked good. In particular, Allen has showcased excellent vision, superb pass-blocking traits, and soft hands in the passing attack. And within the Jets offense, Allen seems to be running with power once more – something that was lacking when Wisconsin switched to a spread offense in his final years with the Badgers.
Meanwhile, Davis has shown good vision in his own stints during practice. It speaks volumes that the team’s RB4 right now is Israel Abanikanda. It also proves that the team’s running back room is once again a strength of the offense – which will be vital come December.
Cornerback
Most Jets fans won’t be shocked seeing the cornerback room labeled as a strength for New York. In fact, even the national media has finally recognized that the Jets have an elite trio at cornerback.
The strongest position groups in the NFL 💪 pic.twitter.com/m3twGrnTVI
— PFF (@PFF) May 17, 2024
Gardner of course is a household name at this point in his career. Through two seasons he’s been arguably the best cornerback in football, and he’s set up to have an elite career in the NFL.
Sauce Gardner is having a historic start to his career. He’s arguably been the best CB and top 5 at worst the last 2 seasons.
Here is how he ranks in several key categories each season:
Lost in the Sauce #Jets pic.twitter.com/1ZPNeePZly
— Stefan Stelling (@li_jets) January 10, 2024
On the other side, DJ Reed has been no slouch of his own right. Reed has proven to be an excellent veteran presence in the Jets secondary. He’s one of the best CB2’s in the league, and has been listed as a top-20 cornerback by PFF in back-to-back years.
And of course, Michael Carter II is potentially one of the most underrated players in the entirety of the NFL, despite being the best player at his position.
On top of that, Qwan’tez Stiggers, a fifth-round pick out of the CFL, has produced a productive camp in his rookie season.
Highlight from the Tyrod series is Stiggers almost making a leaping interception. Stayed in the hip pocket of the receiver the whole route and almost makes a big play. Continuing a great start to the summer.
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) July 25, 2024
And interestingly, with MC2 going down with an (mild) injury in training camp, Stiggers was the next man up at the nickel position.
Meanwhile, 2023 sixth-round pick Jarrick Bernard-Converse has been solid depth along the secondary. JBC has had an up and down start to camp this year. However, he did end Tuesday’s practice on a high note, intercepting Taylor to end the period.
JBC picks off Tyrod Taylor. Pass intended for McCutchen #Jets pic.twitter.com/Sf81rKNW90
— Tommy Jets (@ThomasCP_NFL) July 30, 2024
