Ten Key Jets Moving Forward: A Strong Mix of Youngsters and Vets Set for Beyond 2021

If Saleh and Wilson meet year one expectations, proving they are capable, then the goal in 2022 should absolutely be to make the playoffs. General manager Joe Douglas will have another offseason to add talent. The Jets will likely be in the top five in terms of salary cap space. In the draft, they will have two first-round and two second-round picks. With that in mind, here are ten key Jets moving forward.

Key Jets Moving Forward: Offense

Zach Wilson

It will be very exciting to see Zach Wilson as a rookie for the Jets. Wilson has a ton of talent. He has a strong arm, accuracy, the ability to throw from multiple arm angles, off-platform throwing ability, and good enough mobility.

It will be great having Mike LaFleur as the offensive coordinator. LaFleur will be implementing a scheme that is tailored to the quarterback. There should be easy completions for Wilson off play-action.

As long as Wilson shows enough promise as a rookie, the Jets’ expectations moving forward will be great because of him. Wilson is capable of being the Jets franchise quarterback.

Michael Carter

It was a bit of a surprise that Michael Carter fell to the Jets’ fourth-round selection. Carter is a talented player. His quickness as a runner perfectly fits the zone running scheme the Jets will have. Carter is also a very capable receiver, which will help Wilson, especially as a rookie.

If Carter can make an impact right away, which he certainly can, he will be an integral piece to the Jets moving forward. Carter can be a very good running back.

Elijah Moore

Similar to Carter, it was a shock that Elijah Moore was available when the Jets picked early in the second round. Moore is practically a complete prospect. His character and work ethic are off the charts. As a football player, he can win with speed, crisp routes, and toughness with the ball.

Moore is a safe, young prospect who can be a long-term contributor for the Jets. In 2021, expect Moore to make a great impact as a wide receiver in his rookie year. Moore will be a major player moving forward for the Jets.

Corey Davis

Corey Davis was a great free agent signing for the Jets. Davis is coming off the best year of his NFL career and is entering his prime as a player. Davis is a talented wide receiver. He has size, route-running ability, and can help the running game as a blocker.

Davis will help the Jets passing attack over the middle of the field. He is a big wide receiver which will be great for Wilson to have as a young player. In 2021, expect Davis to keep improving. Davis will be important for the Jets in the years to come.

Denzel Mims

As a 2020 second-round selection, Denzel Mims showed some intriguing things as a rookie. Mims is very gifted physically. He can win with size, has the speed to win vertically, and can help score touchdowns.

This season, as long as he remains healthy, Mims should continue to grow and become more well-rounded. He has great potential as a prospect. Mims will be a key part for the Jets going forward.

Mekhi Becton

Mekhi Becton had a great rookie year. The ability he has to move at his size is special. He was dominant as both a run and pass blocker a season ago.

For Becton, he just has to stay healthy. If he does, he can be one of the best-left tackles in the NFL. Becton will be someone the Jets can count on in future years.

Alijah Vera-Tucker

The Jets traded up in the draft to select Alijah Vera-Tucker. Vera-Tucker was a safe prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft. He was very good at both guard and tackle at USC. Vera-Tucker was great as a pass blocker. Athletically, he fits the run scheme Mike LaFleur will be designing.

Vera-Tucker has the chance to be a very impactful rookie. It would be great if Becton and Vera-Tucker could be on the left side of the Jets offensive line for many years to come.

Key Jets Moving Forward: Defense

Quinnen Williams

As the third overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft, Quinnen Williams has quickly become the Jets’ best player. He had a magnificent 2020 season. Williams is a great pass rusher and run stopper.

Williams is a young player who will only continue to ascend. The new defensive scheme fits his ability even better. Williams should be a great Jet for a long time.

Carl Lawson

Carl Lawson was a big addition for the Jets in free agency. He is a young player, coming off his best season, and just getting into his prime years. Lawson has talent with his speed and bend as an edge pass rusher to be very productive.

Lawson will likely continue to progress as a player. Ideally, Williams and Lawson anchor the Jets defensive line as two dominant players for many years to come.

C.J. Mosley

It will be great to finally see C.J. Mosley on the field for the Jets. Mosley was a big-time free agent sign for the Jets in 2019. Unfortunately, he battled injuries his first year. Last season, he was a COVID-19 opt-out.

In 2021, expect a healthy Mosley to very impactful on the Jets defense. He is a talented player and very smart. Mosley will make the Jets’ defense as a whole better. Mosley is very important moving forward for the Jets.

Key Jets Moving Forward: Conclusion

Unfortunately, players like Folorunso Fatukasi, John Franklin-Myers, and Marcus Maye are currently not under contract for 2022, or else they would have of course been highlighted above. Hopefully, Joe Douglas keeps all three on the Jets moving forward.

Of the ten Jets highlighted, Mosley is the oldest one at 29 years old. The next two are Davis and Lawson who will each play this season at 26. Most of these players are very young. They are all talented and will be extremely vital for the Jets going forward.

It would be a luxury if some young players could break out in 2021 and be counted on for the Jets moving forward. A few of these potential players are Ty Johnson, Kyle Phillips, Jamien Sherwood, Hamsah Nasirildeen, Bryce Hall, Michael Carter II, and Ashtyn Davis.

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