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New York Jets free agency 2018: Top 5 targets

By Adam Strangis

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 17: Head coach Todd Bowles of the New York Jets looks on as his team takes on the New Orleans Saints during a NFL game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 17, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 17: Head coach Todd Bowles of the New York Jets looks on as his team takes on the New Orleans Saints during a NFL game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 17, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hitt/Getty Images /

3. Sammy Watkins, Wide Recevier

There is still a chance that Sammy Watkins could get the franchise tag from the Los Angeles Rams. If that turns out to be the case, Allen Robinson would make for another great target. If the Rams do decide to let Watkins hit the market, there’s an argument to be made that Watkins has the best sheer talent of any receiver available.

His stats from the past season(39 receptions, 593 yards, 8 TD) don’t scream that he’s a number one option but it’s important to remember that he was traded to the Rams shortly before the season started. Watkins was left with very little time to prepare for a whole new offense, which is a major challenge. Los Angeles opted to have quarterback Jared Goff spread the ball around in on of the NFL’s best offenses. They didn’t need Watkins to be the target monster but he is fully capable.

Amazingly, Watkins will only be 25 years old at the start of the 2018 season. He was able to stay healthy for the entire 2017 season which is a major accomplishment for him. He does carry some risk from that perspective, but has yet to face serious felony charges unlike one of the current Jets receivers.

Since Robby Anderson will almost certainly face some type of discipline from the NFL, receiver becomes a more urgent need for the Jets. If Anderson is able to get things together off the field, he and Watkins would make a lethal pair that could take any pass to the house. If Anderson continues to run afoul of the law, Watkins could be the new number one in the offense. The market for Watkins will be fascinating. Injuries weigh heavily but so does the promise of once being the number four overall pick in the draft.

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