Jets Mailbag: Evaluating Gang Green’s weapons around Zach Wilson, plus a homer comes clean

Now that the Jets are past the draft and rookie minicamp, they’re gearing closer to OTAs and training camp. The Jets filled plenty of their holes throughout the offseason, though in this week’s mailbag, we answer what they’re up to at cornerback and offensive line, plus a few bonus questions.

Which wide receiver in the new offense do you think will have the best season? - @Takeflight.today

Corey Davis, easily. He would have had over 1,000 yards in 2020 if he didn’t catch COVID-19 and miss two games. They’re paying Davis $12.5 million per year to be the No. 1 receiver and he’s a good fit in the play action-heavy offense; he was dynamic in those situations last season.

Davis had 562 yards off play-action according to Pro Football Focus (fourth-most in the NFL among WRs) on 27 receptions (10th-most). The receivers who had more were Buffalo Bills’ Stefon Diggs, Kansas City Chiefs’ Tyreek Hill and Falcons’ Calvin Ridley.

Which unit of the Jets do you think will make the biggest jump in this up coming year? Offense, Defense or Special Teams - @BIGEDDYED

The group that will take the biggest jump is the defense. The Jets allowed 28 points and 387 yards per game last season, but now they have a defensive-minded head coach in Robert Saleh. His 4-3 attacking scheme will focus on the defensive line creating havoc and letting the linebackers and defensive backs play off that. That unit has Vinny Curry, Carl Lawson, Folorunso Fatukasi, John Franklin-Myers, Quinnen Williams and Sheldon Rankins. That’s arguably the strongest defensive line in the AFC East.

You think Zach Wilson has enough weapons in this year’s Jets team? - @_Elijah.going.ham

The receiver group has been completely revamped from last year. Wilson will have Davis, Elijah Moore, Jamison Crowder, Denzel Mims and Keelan Cole. The backfield improved too, adding Tevin Coleman and Michael Carter. People won’t be able to say Wilson doesn’t have weapons.

What’s a successful Jets season realistically speaking ? - @BrooklynBoogie

Two-way street for this question.

Just by counting wins, six or more would be successful. Last year the Jets were outscored by 214 points and lost by an average of 13.4 points per game. So if Gang Green can reduce that margin to under seven points that’ll show in their losses they were more competitive.

But true success would be Wilson flashing why he was the No. 2 overall pick, even if they only win a few games. In 2019, the Cardinals only won four games but Kyler Murray won Rookie of the Year and threw for 4,226 total yards and had 24 total touchdowns. The rebuild will fail if Wilson isn’t good. So the Jets would be thrilled with Wilson playing like a future stud, no matter what else happens.

How good will the Jets’ OL be this year? - @PigbirdJetFan

With the Jets switching to the wide-zone run scheme, that should make things easier for the offensive line. And trading with the Vikings to acquire the No. 14 overall pick and add Alijah Vera-Tucker will strengthen the left side of the offensive line. Vera-Tucker and Mehki Becton present a bright future. How good, though? Instead of being a bottom-tier offensive line, it should be closer to the middle of the pack.

Is there any word on whether or not we will sign a vet CB ? - @forevershinin

It’s been crickets, but I think the Jets should go into this season with the group that they have right now. Lamar Jackson, Javelin Guidry, Bryce Hall, Blessuan Austin, Isaiah Dunn, Brandin Echols, Jason Pinnock and Michael Carter II aren’t going to excite Jets fans in the summer but there’s talent in this group. Let them develop and see where it goes.

The only difference maker available is Richard Sherman, but he’s focused on landing with a contender. Anybody else would be a stopgap and stunt the development of the young guys.

BONUS QUESTIONS

How does it feel to be covering the Jets as a Dolphins homer? - @Jets4041

I’m from the crib, Miami, Florida. I didn’t have a choice but to be a fan of them. The Dolphins have been stinky since I started watching in 2005 (114-142, see big clown energy). But I wouldn’t love football if not for the Dolphins; I love them more than my future kids. Sorry, future menaces.

However, I love football more. Being able to cover the Jets is dope regardless of my fandom. It gives me a chance to understand the intricacies within team building in football, whether it’s learning scheme concepts through film study, grasping the why behind how players excel, or talking to scouts and coaches.

What’s your ideal playlist for Jets practices? Which day had the best music?

The music on the first day of rookie minicamp was bumping. They were playing Lil Baby, Drake, Gunna and Future. Just know my head was bobbing to the beat; I was impressed.

The ideal playlist has to include Drake, Future, Lil Baby, Gunna, Young Thug (the GOAT, argue with your daddy) Pooh Shiesty, Rod Wave, DaBaby, Lil Durk, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne Meek Mill, Nicki Minaj, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion. I bet you if the DJ at practice plays those artists, the Jets will have a phenomenal practice. Book it.

Top 3 songs from Slime Language 2 and The Off-Season? - @JacobLane08

Slime Language 2 - Ski, Solid and Take It to Trial.

The Off-Season - 9 5 . S o u t h,  p r i d e .i s . t h e .  d e v i l  and t h e . c l i m b . b a c k.