Heading into the 2024 season, the Jets have made a series of moves to improve the state of their roster and overall
depth, but are they ready to compete for a playoff spot?
In this series, we’ll break down the depth chart for every position group. This time, we’ll go in-depth at the cornerback
positions…
Projected depth chart
Starters: Sauce Gardner, DJ Reed, Michael Carter II (slot)
Backups: Brandin Echols, Qwan’tez Stiggers
Key additions/losses: Drafted Stiggers. Bryce Hall signed with Tampa Bay in free agency.
Top Performers in 2023: Gardner was named as a Pro Bowler and First Team All-Pro after racking up 57 tackles and 11 pass breakups.
2023 ranking via PFF: Gardner 3rd, Carter 13th and Reed 18th out of 133 qualifying cornerbacks.
What Jets’ cornerbacks have going for them
Gardner, Reed and Carter give the Jets a group that is widely considered to be the league’s best. Gardner will likely become the NFL’s highest paid cornerback within the next year or two and Reed and Carter are also in line for a big extension as they each enter the final year of their deals.
Depth is a minor concern with the rookie Stiggers lacking in experience and the versatile Echols having been exploited at times when he’s had to fill in previously. However, it’s worth remembering that the Jets somehow upset the Eagles last year despite the fact that both Reed and Gardner were out, so the coaching staff has shown they can deal with issues at this position.
The Jets did bring in Isaiah Oliver, who has played cornerback in the past, but they’re currently deploying him at safety which may suggest they have faith in their depth at this position.
Key concern for 2023: Interceptions
Despite their dominant play last season, the Jets’ top trio only managed to intercept one pass between them, with Gardner’s dropped interception for a would-be pick-six in the loss to Dallas looming large. A play like that can turn a game on its head so the Jets will hope Reed, Carter and Gardner can…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/jets-2024-position-breakdown-sauce-155732714.html
Author : SNY
Publish date : 2024-06-07 15:57:32
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