New York Jets: 5 Offseason Needs

4. Safety

The Jets defense took a major step back this season, and one particular area is the cause. They still rated first in the NFL in rushing DVOA but ranked all the way down at 31st in the NFL in passing DVOA. You could say that the pass defense may need to improve a bit this offseason.

Marcus Gilchrist tore his patellar tendon late into the season, which is a debilitating injury. He likely will not be back for the start of the season, if he even expects to be back to his form at all. The Jets can save roughly $5 million by moving on, and by all indications that will happen. Calvin Pryor has been a liability in coverage, and with Gilchrist moving on, they may try to move him to the box more. Even still, they have to decide if he is worth a fifth-year option and he may be a free agent in 2017.

They have talked about moving Darrelle Revis to safety, but even with the move, adding to the depth and core of this unit will have to be done. With the sixth-overall pick in the draft, they could be looking at two of the stud safety prospects in this class. They also could go into 2017 with Revis and Pryor as starters, and use a mid-round pick to groom and come in behind one of the two.

The Jets could also be looking to spend on safety and there are some names available. Tony Jefferson or Eric Berry would be big splashes to give a major impact. They could also look for value in a name such as Rafael Bush, Michael Thomas or Robert Blanton. Either way, expect at least one new starter at the position, and the hope is that the depth improves dramatically as well.