Naomi Feinstein
2 min read • August 04, 2022
Posted in
2021 record: 4-13 | 2022 FanDuel 0/U win total: 5.5
Second-year quarterback Zach Wilson now has young, skilled wide receivers and running backs. On top of that, the Pro Football Docs are optimistic the Jets will be healthy on offense.
The backfield is dangerous with newly drafted Breece Hall out of Iowa State and second-year back Michael Carter. In his three years at Iowa State, Hall ran for a combined 3,941 yards and 50 touchdowns. The Hall-Carter duo will present a one-two punch for Wilson and the Jets.
The team also has wide receivers Corey Davis and Elijah Moore healthy to start the year. Despite their injury-riddled seasons, Moore finished with 538 yards and 5 touchdowns in 11 games while Davis contributed 492 yards and 4 touchdowns in nine games. The Jets also added Ohio State wide receiver Garrett Wilson in the first round of the 2022 draft.
Veteran George Fant and former 2020 first-round pick Mekhi Becton are battling for the starting left tackle position. Fant replaced Becton after he went down with a season-ending knee injury. Out of 889 snaps, the tackle only gave up one sack.
The expectation for this season is Becton will be sliding to right tackle with Fant retaining the starting left tackle position. Both are starting training camp on the physically unable to perform list.
On the other hand, the defensive side of the ball is filled with potential question marks.
Both defensive ends Carl Lawson and Vinny Curry are returning after missing all of last season with injuries. Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins could have issues with his leg after he suffered from a condition where a bone spur rubs and adds stress to his Achilles tendon.
Linebacker C.J. Mosley has had groin injuries that can present difficulties for the 30-year-old middle linebacker in pass coverage. Pro Football Focus graded Mosley’s 2021 performance 42 overall with a 38.5 in run defense and 50.2 in coverage.
Both receivers have made full recoveries from their season-ending injuries from last season. Moore suffered two different quad injuries that cut his season short while Davis dealt with hip flexor and groin injuries. Both issues for Davis were addressed through core muscle surgery this past offseason.
Becton is expected to deal with lingering knee issues after spraining his right MCL and dislocating his kneecap last season. The move to right tackle is most likely to remove additional stress to the right knee. He has also had difficulty keeping off weight following the injury. Our Docs will not be surprised if the offensive tackle is veteran-managed with his right knee and conditioning issues.
Curry sat out last season after the medical staff discovered he had a rare blood disorder and needed his spleen removed. He is fully recovered though he will not be an elite defensive end. Lawson opens training camp on Tuesday on the PUP list because of his ruptured left Achilles. The Jets’ defensive line which struggled last season will improve with Curry and Lawson returning to action. However, Lawson will have difficulty getting to the quarterback with decreased explosiveness.
Written by Naomi Feinstein
